Feeling overwhelmed and burdened, I decided to go for a late night turtle walk nearby with a friend for some fresh air which I badly needed. We ended up at Mayon Restaurant in Deira, Dubai, UAE, a familiar haven of Filipino comfort foods. The restaurant was filled with the warmth of camaraderie, and my friend's impromptu singing performance added to the lively atmosphere. I sang, too, like nobody was watching, as if I were not out-of-tune. It was good for my lungs. Stress reliever, too. Our peaceful dining experience was interrupted by a group of networkers eager to share their business opportunities. While I appreciate their enthusiasm, it's disheartening to have a meal disrupted by sales pitches. To find solace, I turned to our foods. I ordered mussels with butter and garlic which is good for my thyroid as a decade ago, I suffered from hypothyroidism. Mussels are rich sources of of selenium, iron and iodine, all nutrients essential for normal thyroid function and hormone p...