Dan Hellman's Blog

Today’s Vitals

Although I felt fine this morning, my blood pressure registered 87/54—yikes.
The nurse immediately opened three vials of salt water and had me hold each under my tongue before swallowing. I now have a box of these vials to use twice a day.

• Heart rate: 49
• Weight: 168.7 lbs
• Ketones: a bit higher than yesterday

Next week I’ll have another blood test, and I asked the nurse to add a full hormonal panel to check my testosterone levels.

No Qigong—But Ozone

Instead of Qigong, I had my first of three ozone therapy sessions. A portion of my blood was drawn, mixed with a carefully measured oxygen–ozone blend in a closed system, and then re-infused.

This treatment is designed to stimulate antioxidant defenses, enhance oxygen transport, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation—essentially to sharpen overall well-being and physical performance. I’ll report back after session three.

Espresso Power

With the needle out and ozone circulating, it was time for my daily joy: espresso.

The barista, only seventeen, is a refugee from Kyiv who now crafts perfect shots here in Marbella. On the walk back, La Concha mountain was crowned with a soft halo of cloud—breathtaking.

A Life of Willpower

One unexpected gift of this fast is the discipline it demands.

I grew up in a large, modest family where dinner was a free-for-all—eat fast or go hungry. As a kid, I was a junk-food junkie: half a bag of Chips Ahoy, four Pop-Tarts, three burgers, endless bowls of sugary cereal.

Higher education and mentors like Paul Chek reshaped my food priorities. I sought out the highest-quality ingredients, but the compulsion stayed. A $6 Hu chocolate bar? One square was never enough, I would eat the entire bar or even two.

This fast feels like a reset. I want to return home with the strength to say no, to stop when enough is enough. My body never screamed “gluttony,” but subtle medical signs were whispering, pay attention.

Now I stroll past pastry shops, gelato counters, and fryers perfuming the air, and I simply smile and keep walking.

A Wardrobe Dilemma

Earlier this year I weighed 192 lbs; today I’m at 168.

I didn’t come here to lose weight, but it’s a clear by-product. My clothes hang off me, and I feel as if I’ve set down a small child. I loved the muscular look at 192, but I didn’t love how heavy it felt.

Do I dare ask the question… what would my dear friend—my sister from another mother—Janet Alexander say? I already know: “Let’s go shopping, babe!”

Janet, I’ll find a happy medium first… and then, absolutely, let’s go shopping.

Lunch & Dinner

Both meals mirrored Monday’s menu—half a bowl of soup and half gazpacho. Simple and deeply satisfying. I lingered on the terrace, phone tucked away, soaking in the garden views.

Post-Lunch Psychology

During my liver pack I had my weekly session with Jo Todd, PhD, from Austin, Texas—a referral from my friend Chris Como.

For the past five months Jo has helped me navigate loss, betrayal, and the slow work of charting a new path. She recently recommended Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis, PhD. What a revelation. It’s helping me not only understand my past but also envision the road ahead. I’m deeply grateful to both Chris and Jo.

Gym & ELDOA

Despite lower energy, I completed a weight session. A trainer spotted me doing ELDOA stretches and was intrigued. I shared my website—who knows, maybe Buchinger will add ELDOA to their program one day.

Evening Treatment

I’m closing the day with an osteopathic session. The last osteopath I saw was the legendary Guy Voyer, truly the best in my opinion. I’m keeping an open mind and will report back tomorrow.

Here’s today’s photo—yes, I’m definitely getting lean. Until tomorrow, friends.