Biohacker Bryan Johnson stated that his recently revealed autoimmune gastritis diagnosis would likely be more severe if not for his intensive health regimen, according to an email exchange with The Independent.
The 48-year-old tech entrepreneur, known for his “Don’t Die” anti-aging project, said his May diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis is likely connected to an autoimmune hypothyroidism diagnosis he received at age 21. “So this has been part of my body for 27 years,” Johnson wrote.
He expressed gratitude for his focus on health over the past five years, believing it has mitigated the potential severity of his current condition. “Had I not taken care of my body during the past five years, the situation would be much worse so I am very grateful to have been focused on health,” he stated.
Iron Deficiency Linked to Gastritis
Johnson also revealed that he had been suffering from low iron for 11 years, recently addressing it with an intravenous infusion of 1,000 mg of Monoferric, a treatment for iron deficiency anemia. He attributed this deficiency to his autoimmune gastritis, explaining that the condition hinders his stomach’s ability to produce enough acid for iron absorption.
The biohacker has faced criticism suggesting his health issues stem from his extreme, $2 million-a-year anti-aging program. However, Johnson has defended his lifestyle, characterizing it as an effort to reject unhealthy traditions and societal norms. He stated his critiques are not an attack on others’ choices but rather a reflection of how individuals perceive their own health.
Johnson also pushed back against online theories that his condition could be cured by diet, such as adopting a meat-heavy diet or increasing sun exposure. He dismissed these as unlikely solutions for what he described as a decades-old, genetically driven immune system issue.
Understanding Autoimmune Gastritis
In late June, Johnson informed his followers that he had learned his stomach was being affected by autoimmune gastritis. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks the stomach lining, potentially increasing cancer risk. It affects an estimated 0.5% to 2% of the U.S. population, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Johnson believes his condition may be linked to past dietary habits, including high consumption of sugary drinks and fast food, prior to adopting his biohacking routine. He recalled a period in his early adulthood where, after a few healthy years, he experienced stress from fatherhood and business building, leading to weight gain and a decline in health, during which time autoimmune processes began affecting his thyroid and stomach lining.
He further elaborated that his “autoimmune profile began at a young age when I was regularly eating red meat and was in the sun for multiple hours a day,” and that he was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease at 21. Johnson compared the idea of curing a deep-seated autoimmune issue with diet or sunlight to attempting to fix corrupted software code by changing the room temperature.
Despite being told he needs to “live a little,” Johnson stated his intention is to live more fully than anyone before and invited others to join him in this pursuit.
Mitchell Landsberg is the senior reporter for News Raise and focuses on Technology. Mitchell regularly writes about social media platforms and how influencers, industry and general people use them to communicate and make money.
