QuestionHello. I've asked this question to one other person on this site, I really need some ideas and I am not getting help from my "doctors".
I am 28, female, 5'2" and 85lbs. I have never, ever weighed over 90lbs. I cannot gain weight. I recently took medication for Grave's Disease to regulate my thyroid. I was taking PTU and now my levels seem to have leveled out. More than anything, I would love to put on 15-20lbs (healthy lbs of course), I cannot exercise b/c I burn too many calories, I don't know the proper foods to eat or avoid because I don't want to disrupt my thyroid and make it overactive again.
I've been to 5 different types of doctors and none of them have been able to help me... ESPECIALLY when it comes to nutrition - which is so discouraging.. I just want to cry every time I leave another doctor that cannot help me. My entire life, nearly every single day I get comments like "Jackie, you are so skinny", "be careful you might blow away in this wind", "here I'll give you some of my fat". I understand that people don't mean any harm, but if you heard it 3000 times in your life, it makes you feel abnormal.. because it is abnormal to be underweight. Its no different than someone walking around saying "your fat", they are basically implying that "you are not perfect, so let me point it out to you". I really try not to let those things bother me too much (but I am human and sometimes it does), however, I am extremely concerned about my health... if I lost 10lbs, I could die! All that takes is the flu!
I am in dire need of good advice, how can I gain weight with grave's disease? What vitamins should I take/avoid, what foods can I eat to gain weight, yet not increase thyroid levels. I've read so many contradicting things out there... I AM SO CONFUSED! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my questions.
AnswerIn my limited research on your question, I have determined the following.
With your metabolism racing from Grave's disease, you'll need plenty of carbohydrates and protein. Your body burns carbohydrates first and then moves to protein which includes your muscles. In order to gain weight, it is important to feed both those needs.
Try to eat at least 75% fresh, raw foods and include vegetable protein from sprouts, whole grains, soy foods, and sea vegetables.
Brown rice and vegetables provide good complex carbohydrates for stabilizing your energy level. Eat some thyroid-balancing foods such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, beets, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Add in some carrot juice and papaya juice to help support your adrenal glands.
Some herbs for helping balance the thyroid include ginseng, gingko biloba, hawthorn, astragulus, and echinacea. These herbs seem to work by affecting the immune system and you should consult a local naturopathic physician or herbalist beore trying them to make certain that there are no drug interactions.
CoQ10, Ester C, and zinc supplements also enhance the immune system regulation as do glyconutritional supplements.
I also recommend a protein drink and/or a 'green drink' every day. In addition, some very light exercise should be done daily but stop before you're breathless or sweaty. Just go for a walk or lift some 2 lb. weights for a few repetitions to help build the muscle mass needed.
Thank you for your question, Jackie. I hope that my answer was helpful.
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