Dr Gil Barzilay PhD Midlife Wellness

27/07/2026

Summer brain-health, protein-packed Salad? Indeed:

22/07/2026

Ready to improve your health, wellness & mood? The true Longevity drug: Qigong! Read the blog & Share. If you want to try it first hand - join Marias Dao and Me in September in Antiparos - link in 1st comment.

Qigong is an ancient practice in Chinese medicine that aims to cultivate life energy (Qi). It combines gentle and conscious movement, breathing, meditation and inner listening to improve the flow of energy in the body, calm the nervous system and strengthen the various body systems. It has been used...

08/07/2026

A Post About Fear

When I was 30, I did a bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand. It took me all of five minutes to decide to jump. I was already a young PhD, knew I wasn't going to win a Nobel Prize, was travelling with an open ticket, and had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with my life—but somehow, I knew everything would be okay.

Back then, my biggest fears were snakes, coming out to my mum without breaking her heart, and sexually transmitted diseases—the kind of stigma gay men in Israel and around the world had to live with throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

As the years went by, life changed. I got older. The world became more complicated. Endless wars, social media overflowing with hatred, and news outlets thriving on fear slowly turned me into a more anxious person too. I found myself worrying about everything: my own health, the world around me, my patients, money, whether the retreat would fill up, whether my clinic diary would stay busy... and, of course, the truly important things—like Israel's Eurovision ranking or whether Serena Williams would somehow win another Grand Slam. Honestly, play a game of categories with me and I'll find something to be anxious about.

If it weren't for this trip to Costa Rica (more on that in another post), and the incredible experiences with my beloved Mike and the kids, I would never have found myself flying above monkeys and rainforest trees, with a volcano in the distance, racing through the air in wild winds and a sky full of adrenaline.

It reminded me that even at almost 58, life is at its best when you're not afraid.

My next—and probably last—tattoo will simply say: No Fear. A reminder that living without fear is possible, and worth striving for, even if it takes daily practice and occasionally a little pharmacological assistance.

What a gift it is to reconnect with the simple joy of being alive. To chase ridiculous adventures, stop overthinking for a while, and feel that childlike rush of adrenaline again.

Still soaring above the trees.

And deeply grateful for the moments that remind me what fearless happiness feels like.

Thank you. ❤️❤️❤️

07/07/2026

We usually think of coughs and phlegm as a winter problem, but that's no longer true.

Long hours in air-conditioned offices, shopping malls, hotels, airplanes, and constant travel between different climates damages and irritate the lungs all year round.

That's exactly why this nourishing salad is one of my favorite recipes, even in the middle of summer.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, its ingredients help support the lungs, promote healthy mucus clearance, and nourish the body during times of dryness.

Autumn and winter are seasons when we often catch colds (or flu or Covid19). In addition, those who suffer from seasonal allergies accumulate a hefty amount of phlegm that may result in a productive cough, sputum or just a runny nose, especially in the mornings. For many of my patients I recommend a...

28/06/2026

It's OKRA time...
Not everyone likes it, but not everyone knows how healthy it is. The mucous of the okra moistens the lungs and the digestive system and is excellent as an addition to a meal. In addition, okra is rich in vitamin C, K and B6, magnesium, and calcium, and there are studies that show its effectiveness in cleaning the liver and lowering cholesterol.

The okra can be eaten in a variety of forms and traditions from all over the world, Greek, Indian etc. Here's an easy to make, healthy version: https://www.drgiltcm.com/en/post/oven-roasted-okra-with-mustard-lemon-dill
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Okra is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and fiber, known to support blood sugar balance and healthy digestion. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, okra helps moisten the lungs and intestines, making it especially beneficial in the autumn, a season ass...

26/06/2026

It only take a minute to book your place. Reset Retreat 19-24 Sept

21/06/2026

Good Morning Healthiers.
Another healthy recipe to keep your blood pressure low(er) and cholesterol:

This wonderful salad was created by a chef from MasterChef Season 10, known for his talent in creating exceptional salads. It is both nourishing and satisfying. With the addition of a protein source, it can serve as a complete meal or as a healthy and impressive addition to a weekend brunch table.Fr...