SouthernWorldwide.com – Bryan Johnson, a prominent biohacker and advocate for extended lifespan, has revealed a concerning autoimmune diagnosis: his stomach is “eating itself.” Johnson, who has publicly expressed his aspiration to live until the year 2140, aiming for an age of 160, shared this alarming health update.
The 48-year-old tech entrepreneur from Los Angeles was diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG). This chronic autoimmune condition occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach’s parietal cells, which are responsible for producing stomach acid. This attack leads to a reduction in stomach acid and hinders the absorption of vitamin B12, as detailed in Nature Reviews Disease Primers.
“My stomach is eating itself,” Johnson stated in a recent Instagram post, noting that an estimated 2% to 5% of the population likely suffers from this condition.
He expressed his determination to find a solution, promising to share his journey and findings. Johnson also reflected on his past dietary habits, admitting to a childhood filled with sugary cereals and sodas, alongside frequent consumption of fast food.
As a young father and business builder, Johnson confessed that the stress and demands of his life led to a decline in his health, resulting in a 40-pound weight gain and a descent into deep, chronic depression.
During this period, Johnson believes his body began developing autoimmune processes that affected his thyroid and subsequently his stomach lining. He highlighted that AIG can be insidious, often remaining undetected for years and causing significant damage before symptoms become apparent.
The condition can lead to iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and anemia. Furthermore, experts warn that AIG can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Johnson pointed out that low iron stores can be normalized and often overlooked if anemia has not yet manifested, a “blind spot” that concealed his condition for a decade.
For 11 years, Johnson experienced low levels of ferritin, a crucial protein responsible for storing iron within the body’s cells. Ferritin plays a vital role in releasing iron when needed, supporting muscle function, and performing other essential bodily processes.
“We continually tried to raise my iron levels with food and supplementation, but nothing would work,” he recounted. Johnson acknowledged that common biohacking practices, such as intense training, sauna use, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, all increase the body’s demand for iron.
However, these practices did not explain the underlying issue: despite oral iron intake, various formulations, and precise timing, the iron was not being absorbed. This persistent lack of absorption was the core problem.
To investigate further, Johnson underwent a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy, procedures that examined his entire intestinal tract. Biopsies were taken from his stomach, revealing “clear signs of early autoimmune gastritis: early atrophy confined to the acid-producing lining.”
Previously, in January 2026, Johnson had outlined his ambitious goal of achieving immortality by 2039 on his website. His strategy involves a rigorous regimen to slow or halt biological aging, leveraging AI to accelerate longevity research, testing novel treatments on laboratory-grown cells and organs, and ultimately reaching “longevity escape velocity.” This is the point where medical advancements would extend lifespan at a rate faster than he ages.
He expressed his commitment to this endeavor, stating, “I may fail at this task, but my team and I will try our best.”
Currently, there is no known cure for AIG, a challenge Johnson is determined to overcome. He believes that in the era of advanced AI, multiomics, and custom-designed biological components, no condition should be deemed incurable simply because a cure has not yet been sought using contemporary technologies.
Johnson concluded his post with a powerful message, urging others to prioritize their health and well-being. He emphasized the importance of caring for oneself, others, the planet, and animal friends, viewing life as the most precious gift.
The biohacker also shared an image detailing the findings from the five stomach biopsies he underwent, providing a visual representation of his diagnosis.
