A lot of people who are underweight have an over-functioning thyroid. This condition is called Hyperthyroidism. A regular weight gain diet might not be very effective in helping the individual to gain weight. Hence, we charted out this Indian diet plan for Hyperthyroidism and weight gain.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when there is an overactive thyroid. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces excess hormones that speed up the body’s metabolism. The high metabolism results in a quick breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. And the person experiences fatigue and weakness. As a result, there is increased appetite and it is common for people with hyperthyroidism to consume more calories. However, this condition can be cured by taking anti-thyroid medicines and the right kind of diet.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroid:
Common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include:
- Palpitations
- Being nervous most o the times
- Irritable
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea
- losing weight/becoming underweight
- Rapid pulse rate
- Protruding eyes
Foods to Eat in Hyperthyroidism:
In hyperthyroidism, it is important to focus on nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins and veggies that can keep you satiated. Also, a low iodine diet can keep your symptoms in control. Some of the foods that can help you in gaining weight in hyperthyroidism are mentioned below:
Low iodine foods:
Iodine is a mineral that plays an important role in making thyroid hormones. Foods like egg whites, unsalted nuts, potatoes, non-iodised salt can be a part of the daily diet that can help reduce thyroid hormones. you can also include rock salt / pink salt in your diet instead of the regular sodium salts.
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Cruciferous veggies:
Cruciferous veggies like spinach cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale can help your thyroid to make proper use of iodine which will be beneficial for hyperthyroidism.
Calcium and Vitamin D:
Hyperthyroidism results in brittle and weak bones. In order to build healthy bones, calcium and vitamin D are extremely important. Calcium and vitamin-D rich foods like almonds, spinach, kale, okra, white beans, ragi, and fatty fish can help in hyperthyroidism.
Vitamins and minerals:
Some minerals can help in balancing the thyroid hormone production like
1. Zinc – Zinc can help to strengthen the immune system and support thyroid health. Some sources include pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and cashews.
2. Iron – Iron is a mineral that is vital for thyroid health. Low iron levels are linked to hyperthyroidism. Some food sources include lentils, GLVs, nuts, dried beans, whole grains, and seeds.
3. Selenium – Selenium can prevent cell damage and help to support thyroid health. Selenium-rich foods can balance the levels of thyroid hormone. Sources include brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds.
Healthy Fats :
Healthy fats are vital for overactive thyroid and protect thyroid health. Non-dairy fats play an important role in a low iodine diet which includes avocado, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, unsalted nuts, and seeds.
Spices:
Some spices like turmeric, black pepper, and chilies have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the thyroid function.
Bugleweed Herb:
Bugleweed is a plant herb that helps in decreasing thyroid hormones and prolactin as well. and hence beneficial in Hyperthyroid issues. However, it’s best to take it only under an expert’s advice.
Foods to Avoid in Hyperthyroidism:
Gluten:
Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, wheat, rye, and oats. These foods when consumed can make your immune system attack your thyroid. So it is critical to avoid gluten to prevent the destruction of the thyroid. Another reason to avoid gluten in your diet owes to Grave’s disease. If your hyperthyroidism is due to the autoimmune grave’s disorder, avoiding gluten will improve your health and symptoms to a great extent.
Read – Gluten-free diet plan for weight gain.
Caffeine:
Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and palpitations can worsen with the consumption of caffeine. So it is best to eliminate drinks and foods that contain caffeine which includes chocolate, coffee, soda, black tea and energy drinks.
Processed foods:
Processed foods should be avoided as it can create hormonal imbalance and result in inflammation. It can affect thyroid and gut healing.
Processed dairy:
In order to prevent the destruction of important vitamins A and D during the processing of milk, they are added back to it that can worsen the pasteurized dairy.
Read- Lactose-free weight gain diet.
Indian diet plan for Hyperthyroidism and weight gain:
Given below is a sample plan that can be effective for hyperthyroidism:
Early morning:
1 cup bugleweed water +
2 soaked walnuts + 10 soaked almonds
Breakfast:
1 Bowl oats upma OR
Barley khichdi +
1 orange/ apple/ papaya
Mid-morning:
1 glass of coconut water + 10 soaked almonds
Lunch:
Rajma masala 1 cup / Dal / Fish curry 1 cup +
Millet flour chapatis 1 or 2 +
Rice – 1 bowl
Onion & tomato salad 1 cup
Mid-evening:
Roasted sweet potato/ Hash browns / Sabudana khichadi / Mixed Nuts And seeds / Chicken momo / Boiled eggs
Dinner:
Chicken soup / Pumpkin soup with homemade butter
Moong dal khichdi – 1 bowl or more / Foxtail millet khichadi
Bedtime:
1 glass warm water with turmeric, black pepper, and coconut oil.
*Note: This is a sample Indian diet plan for Hyperthyroidism and weight gain. You may add more menu items to this sample. this may or may not be an ideal plan for you based on personal suitability.
Diet Tips for Hyperthyroidism:
There are some effective tips that you should keep in mind while dealing with hyperthyroidism:
• Eat small frequent meals:
With hyperthyroidism, the calories are burnt too fast. So it is advisable to eat small and frequent meals which are rich in calories. But it is important to choose foods such as oats, beans, sweet potatoes, whole grains and paneer that can keep you full for a long time.
• Eat fiber-rich foods:
Eat foods with higher fiber content like lentils, apples, nuts, flaxseeds, beans, okra and citrus fruits that help in the proper functioning of the digestive tract.
• Do not skip meals:
Hyperthyroidism can worsen by following fasting or crash diets. Try to eat small snacks every two to three hours.
Read – 3000 calorie weight gain diet plan.
• Reduce the intake of iodine:
Excess iodine is found in Sea fish, eggs, bananas, and seaweed can increase the activity of the thyroid. Hence suppressing the intake of iodine can counteract this condition.
• Cut down your intake of refined flour:
Refined flour does not get digested properly and it leads to a spike in your blood sugar. And moreover, it does not have any nutritional value. So it is best to avoid biscuits, white bread, pastries, noodles and cakes. You can replace these with brown rice, barley, and multigrain bread.
• Consume foods rich in antioxidants:
Oxidative stress causes the body cell to degenerate which has an impact on your health. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods can strengthen your immune system. These include walnuts, kidney beans, apples, plums, beans, and turmeric.
• Cut off caffeine:
For successful thyroid treatment, it is important to completely cut off caffeine as it can greatly interfere with hyperthyroidism medications.
• Limit your intake of dairy consumption:
Milk products contain some traces of enzymes, hormones and pus that can cause thyroid issues. In addition to this, it can result in insulin imbalance. Though milk is required for calcium there are alternate sources of calcium such as dark leafy vegetables, almonds, figs, seeds, and oranges.
• Try herbal remedies:
Herbs like motherwort, bugleweed, green tea, and lemon balm have proven to be effective for hyperthyroidism.
Some interesting reads for weight gain:
- 2500 Calories Indian weight gain diet plan.
- How to gain weight
- Weight gain diet plan for skinny girls
- How to increase breast size
- Weight gain workout
- Weight gain diet plan for IBD/IBS patient
- How to become fat?
- Weight gain diet plan for type 1 diabetics
EndNote:
Diet plays a big role in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. The above-mentioned diet can support healthy thyroid function and reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. I hope our Indian diet plan for Hyperthyroidism and weight gain helps you in overcoming your health issues.
Hello ma’am,
What is some other alternative instead of bugleweed water in the morning which we can take? Please do let me know.
Thanks!
plain warm water and lemon
Ma’am in Hyperthyroid instead of bugleweed water any other water which we can take early morning? easier one please if you can suggest.
warm lemon water will also do the trick ..
Why Barley is included in diet when we have to avoid it as it’s contain Gluten.
do you have Hashimoto’s syndrome ? or gluten sensitivity ?
I have got high thyroid tpo antibodies. I was diagnosed with this in july 2020. I have been on thyronorm 12.5 mg three times a week since then. This has helped the tpo antibodies comes down but my weight has increased a lot. I go to the gym and do proper weight training 3 times a week.
I do not have sugar at all. I have cut out refined flour as well. My weight is 70 kgs I am 38 years old and my height is 5 feet three inches.
Your body must have gotten used to the exercises and walking you do and now adjusts to whatever little calories you are intaking. this happens in a lot of cases where despite all efforts you don’t lose a bit. breaking this plateau requires a lot of patience …. here is what you can do …….. exercise wise – stop doing what you are already doing for a week … and then you surprise your body with a new activity ..
for ex – you have been walking all these days, so now change your activity to swimming / Zumba dancing/skating/ gyming / playing badminton or lawn tennis … whatever suits you best. tai chi and kickboxing and pilates work excellently in such cases., I know it’s hard to find time and availability of such sports around you .. but if you want to get there .. you need to find harder !!
Diet wise – Change your food pattern and eating timings. for ex . you can change the type of food you eat. if you were eating rotis , you can now change that , and introduce millets , sprouts and rice in your meals , and vice versa . change from eating wheat roti to bajra , jowar etc … this way the body will take time to adjust to the new routine and will start losing weight again.
Hello mam,
my mom age is 57 and she has been diagnosed with thyroid a year ago, her recent report(04-aug-2020) says TSH (ultra sensitive), Serum 1.424 µIU/mL please make a suggestion on what to eat or not?
what is her height and weight
Also can she follow IF plan. If yes, what would be the best diet sample. I checked her macros and she needs somewhere around 1200 calories. She is 5.4, weights 75 kgs now, thyronom she take 100. She is not a regular gym goes, but oaccasionaly trains. I have couple of dumbells, Orbitrex trainer at home. Please advise.
Intermittent fasting diet plan to lose weight – https://youtu.be/Ka49ufnFH4k
Hello Maam, my name is Samuel. My wife has hypothyroidism. I check your other diet plan where we have end day with Turmeric Tea. Maam, in the diet you mentioned 1 cup vegetables and 1 cup salad. May I know which veggies can be taken and also for salad what all we can use. I do gym I take (Tomato, Cucumber, Carrot, Beetroot, Onion, Capcisum) as salad. Please maam I want to see my wife reduce 25 kgs as she has put on lot of weight, and a I don’t like to see me fit and my wife suffering from weight. Please help. By the way she takes 100 thyronorm. I dont know exact milligrams.
check the video link. all the alowed veggies are mentioned in it along with variety of opinions.
HI MAM,
I have hypothyroid and can I follow the IF plan mentioned in your blogs?
The above mentioned diet is not suitable of IF, so which diet I can follow? plz reply
Hi Jhansi , the above mentioned diet plan is for hyperthyroidism . do you have hyper or hypo thyroid. you can use our hyot thyroid sample diet plan in IF format.