CHOCOLATE the bad & YOGA - QIGONG the good

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid in the winter of 2000. I

saw an Endrocronoligist and a Naturopath. The Naturopath said I'd be

better in six months. The Endro. said we'd try different treatments

over 18 months. I did both routines. In six months I was off all the

western medication and still on a naturopathic treatment (of vitamin

D) which I continue to take today, once a day. The blood work to

date still says I'm OK and the Endro. says I'm the only one of her

patients in all her years of practise, who has gotten better. I

would like to say that this isn't over yet as I know I have flare-

ups.

I have begun to suspect a relationship between my thyroid and

chocolate. Whenever I start to have a hit of chocolate on a daily

basis my thyroid gets itchy, swells and of course I start to get

hyper and cranky. (The Naturopath I see would not like to hear this

either.) For the last month I've been staying away from it and I've

noticed a marked decrease in my thyroid - the smallest in two years,

and no itching. The voice that says, " this isn't fair " , is very loud

some days. I must also say that I've been trying to keep to my 6-8

glasses of water each day. The cleansing and hydration keep your

body less stressed.

I've also started Yoga and am part of a Qi-Gong & Tai Chi

group. These activities are great for reducing stress. The Yoga is

teaching me to breath and release bad energy. There are special

poses that target the thyroid. One of my problems has always been a

busy mind. The meditative aspects of Yoga and Tai Chi & Qi Gong help

me gain some control and direct my thoughts to at least one thing at

a time. I'm a worrier. It is conterproductive (BAD)to be worrying

needlessly when you're already in a fragile state of health. Being

focused on a gentle exercise and helping your body relax are

positive actions that help me. THE YOGA JOURNAL has an excellent

websight.

I have little interest in sleeping some nights. Again, the Yoga

has helped a great deal. After an hour (which just flys by) of

gentle yoga I sleep like a baby. With more sleep, I'm calmer and my

eyes are less puffy. My husband says that I sleep more deeply,

peacefully, and quietly.

In conclusion I'm suggesting that the sugars and whatever is

in CHOCOLATE may be irritating to the thyroid. If there are lots of

references already to this very thing I appologise for my ignorance.

I feel very strongly that YOGA (or Spiritual Meditation) will add to

the healing of this condition. There are healing exercises. Calming

your mind, when you feel your blood boiling in your veins, is

a " good thing " . Focusing with loving kindness on your body,

especially your thyroid, has helped me. This attitude, and inner

focus, has helped me through a variety of ailments (along with a hot

water bottle to hug).