Dan Hellman's Blog

Wednesday Morning Vitals & the Envy of Buchinger

I woke with a pep in my step—today I finally get breakfast. But first, the vitals:

• Blood pressure: 93/53
• Pulse: 52
• Weight: 165 lbs

Yes, two pounds down since breaking the fast yesterday. The nurse and I stared at the scale, then laughed. “You’ll be the envy of the clinic—maybe don’t tell anyone,” she joked. My ketones held steady at 2.8, proof my body is still burning fat.

Breakfast—Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World

I was first to the dining room, eager for that first bite. It’s been so long I can’t remember my last breakfast. On my plate: Muesli Kousmine, a raw whole-food cereal inspired by Dr. Catherine Kousmine’s philosophy, with a cup of black tea. Simple. Pure. Satisfying—but not quite espresso.

Sad Farewell to Ozone & Glutathione

After breakfast came my final ozone and glutathione infusion. I’ll miss the gentle buzz of energy it brings. The doctor and I shared many thoughtful conversations, and I’ll miss her as much as the treatment itself. We exchanged a warm hug and a promise: “Maybe I’ll see you next year.”

Final Doctor Check-In

The results? Fantastic.

• Waist: down from 90 cm (35.4 in) to 81 cm (31.9 in)—nearly four inches gone.
• Blood work: “Fantastic,” the doctor beamed.
• Gluten test: Negative for sensitivity, prompting a debate on whether U.S. issues stem from gluten or the chemicals sprayed on crops.
• Hormones: Testosterone normal—this honestly surprised me.
• DEXA scan: Bone density and body fat solidly in the green.

“We rarely see scans this good—keep doing whatever it is you’re doing,” he said. My heart and energy soared.

Morning Walk & Espresso

With a clean bill of health and ozone still humming through me, my stroll to the espresso bar felt extraordinary. Knowing my time here is nearly over, I soaked in everything—the scent of the air, the flowers and trees, the passing faces.

I chatted with the 17-year-old barista and asked if he’d come to Marbella because of the war. “I love Kyiv with all my heart,” he said, “but I couldn’t stay after the invasion. My family is still there.” His courage moved me and reminded me that the second half of life is about daring to begin again.

Lunch & Mid-Afternoon Snack

Lunch was a study in contrasts and color: Budwig Cream (a silky yogurt base) with salad leaves and pesto, followed by mashed potatoes, baby courgette, and miso–spinach cream. Later, a simple kefir with psyllium and 20 g of walnuts—nourishing and grounding.  Sadly, no more liver packs.  I will miss those comforting warm packs and the gentle snooze that followed.  

Gym & Swim

Weights first, then a glide through the clinic’s salt-water pool—no harsh chlorine, just cool, clean water. Swimming has always felt like the most challenging cardio for me, and here it’s pure pleasure. Since I was already wet and wearing a Speedo, I decided it was the perfect time for my daily photo. I’m really liking how my body feels and looks right now, though when I’m back in the “real world” I’d like to add a bit more muscle. Every longevity expert seems to agree: maintaining healthy muscle mass is one of the keys to aging gracefully.

Dinner Time
Tonight’s meal began with a carrot salad topped with a herbed yogurt dressing. The main course was cannelloni of courgette, stuffed with buckwheat and vegetables, finished with tomato and béchamel sauces. Absolutely fantastic. I dined with the same group of fellow guests who are on the exact clinic schedule as I am, and not a single person has anything but praise for the Buchinger Clinic.

Reflection

Today felt like a celebration of balance—body, mind, and spirit. From the surprise of more weight loss to the quiet courage of a young barista, Marbella and the Buchinger Clinic continues to teach me that renewal begins with simple, intentional choices.

Until tomorrow my friends, have a wonderful evening.

Dan