Tech billionaire Bryan Johnson has disclosed that he is suffering from an incurable autoimmune disease known as Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG). The 48-year-old biohacker, who is famously attempting to reverse aging and eliminate death, shared the news with his millions of social media followers, explaining that his stomach is essentially attacking itself.
Prevalence and Symptoms of AIG
According to Johnson, Autoimmune Gastritis affects between two percent and five percent of the population, though he believes the actual number may be higher because the condition often goes unnoticed. He described the disease as causing irreversible damage, including nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and an elevated risk of cancer over the long term. Currently, there is no cure for AIG, only treatments to manage symptoms.
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson recounted his history with health issues. He noted that as a child, he consumed fast food and sugary foods and beverages. He experienced a few healthy years in his 20s but then let his health deteriorate after becoming a father and building his business. Within a few years, he fell into a deep, chronic depression, during which his body began developing an autoimmune process affecting his thyroid and stomach lining.
Diagnosis and Early Signs
Johnson was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at age 21 and managed it successfully with common treatments for nearly three decades. However, he suspected something else was wrong for years. He revealed that for 11 years, he had low levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, but did not have anemia. Despite trying various methods to raise his iron levels, nothing worked. His recent diagnosis of AIG made him realize that low ferritin was an early sign of the disease, though it was easy for doctors to dismiss.
The California-based tech mogul was only diagnosed after he overhauled his medical team this year to lay the groundwork for a $1 million per year longevity program called 'Immortals Care.' This program is part of his quest to defeat death. The team conducted a series of tests, including a colonoscopy that came back negative for cancer.
Johnson's Longevity Mission
In 2023, Johnson opened up about his mission to extend his lifespan, revealing that he takes 110 pills daily in pursuit of living longer. His recent diagnosis highlights the challenges he faces in his quest for optimal health and longevity.
