Weight gain with hyperthyroid

Question
QUESTION: Hello. 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.


ANSWER: Dear Jackie,

I can only suggest that you discuss your exercise problem with your doctor because gaining "healthy" weight usually means gaining muscle and without strength training it's hardly possible.

Also, you might want to learn more about alternative medicine that is thought to be helpful including homeopathy, herbs (bugleweed, lemon balm or Melissa) stress management, diets, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, etc. It's important that you take enough of vitamins A, E, B1, B5 and D3 since chances are high that there can be their deficiencies.

Another thing with your diagnosis, which is an autoimmune disease, is limiting wheat, saturated (animal) fats, sugar, and dairy because they often trigger the autoimmune reaction.

The only diet that have anecdotal evidence of being helpful for autoimmune diseases is  The Paleo Diet or "Neanderthin":
http://dietandbody.com/diet_reviews/2006/08/paleo-diet-and-neanderthin.html

Or, read the book -- "Neanderthin : Eat Like a Caveman to Achieve a Lean, Strong, Healthy Body"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312243383/bestofweightlo04

= TZ

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. I have attempted to ask each doctor about an exercise program and I am dumbfounded to say that they are clueless, it appears that they only know how to answer my questions if it has to do with a drug. Its very sad. I have spoke to a naturopathic doctor and homeopathic doctor, but neither of them knew anything about Grave's disease and they just threw the tests at me that will cost $1200-$2000 just to figure out if they can help me. I understand that my health shouldn't come with a price tag, but that is not justified if they are clueless on the disease, how can I trust that my money won't be wasted. I have searched high and low for anyone that has helped grave's patients (without killing the thyroid). What are your thoughts on some good quality foods high in calories that would be good for me to start eating? Thanks again, I really appreciate your help.

Answer
Calories might be not the first thing to think about: nutrient density can be at least as important. Of course, you can benefit from nutrient-dense high-carbohydrate foods with higher glycemic index such as honey, ice cream, croissants, dried fruit, bananas, carrots and watermelon.

Good fat is a must! Have enough fatty cold water fish, at least three times a week, better in the form of souffle. Sprinkle some nut flour on your ice cream, mash avocados along with potatoes and heavy cream  when you cook your mashed potato.

Blend your meal to make its glycemic index and digestibility higher.

If you can swim, it can be the best -- safest and most gentle way to tone your body and gain some under-skin fat.

Please stay in touch and tell me how else I can be of any help!

= TZ

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