Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
/
/
/
Struggling to Gain Muscle and Weight
Nutrition
Question #46717
115 days ago
1,059

Struggling to Gain Muscle and Weight - #46717

Client_185141
$3.51

I want to gain muscle/weight. I am regularly eating various vegetarian foods and various dry fruits but not getting any better result.

How long have you been trying to gain muscle/weight?:

- More than 6 months

What is your current level of physical activity?:

- Moderately active (exercise/sports 3-5 days a week)

How would you describe your appetite?:

- Fair, often have to force myself to eat
Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

Avoid oily spicy and processed foods. Regular exercise. Increase intake of Protein Rich foods i.e. Pulses, dairy products,nuts, Soyabean etc. Tab.Liv 52 DS 1-0-1 Ashwagandha rishta 20mp twice after meal with lukewarm water Tab Gokshura 3-0-3 Follow up after 4weeks.

13334 answered questions
39% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

When a person eats regularly includes good vegetarian foods and dry fruits exercises consistently and still does not gain weight or muscle even after many months Ayurveda does not see this as a lack of food but as a lack of proper nourishment at the tissue level In your case the key issue appears to be weak and unstable Agni along with Vata dominance

Your appetite being only fair and the need to force yourself to eat clearly indicate that digestion is not strong enough When Agni is weak food is not properly transformed into Rasa and then into Mamsa Dhatu Because of this even nutritious food does not convert into healthy weight or muscle Instead of nourishing it may create dryness gas or fatigue further increasing Vata

Dry fruits though healthy are heavy and dry in nature If digestion is not strong they can actually delay weight gain Similarly exercising regularly without sufficient nourishment and recovery can lead to tissue depletion rather than muscle building especially in Vata prone individuals

Prefer warm freshly cooked moist foods ,Avoid cold raw dry or leftover foods Maintain fixed meal timings and avoid skipping meals

Ghee is very important for your body type ,take a small amount of ghee mixed with warm food such as rice or dal This helps kindle Agni and nourish tissues simultaneously

Include Well cooked moong dal thin masoor dal fresh paneer in small amounts and properly boiled warm milk are suitable Curd should be taken only during the daytime

Dry fruits should always be soaked and taken . A few soaked almonds with the skin removed and one or two soaked walnuts are sufficient Avoid taking dry fruits at night

Exercise should support nourishment ,Prefer slow controlled strength training with adequate rest days Avoid excessive cardio and avoid exercising on an empty stomach Rest and sleep are equally essential for muscle gain as tissues rebuild during sleep

Once digestion becomes stable and appetite improves naturally supportive Brimhana and Rasayana medicines can be introduced Ashwagandhadi Lehyam is very useful in improving strength stamina and gradual weight gain by nourishing deeper tissues Along with this Shatavari Churna one teaspoon once daily with warm milk helps improve nourishment reduces internal dryness and supports healthy tissue building These should be taken regularly and patiently as their effect is slow but sustained

4883 answered questions
37% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
Agatsya Aushadh Shatavari Churna
AVP Aswagandhadi Lehyam - Arya Vaidya Pharmacy
Accepted response

0 replies

TO GAIN MUSCLE AND WEIGHT IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOT ONLY EAT A VARIETY OF FOODS BUT ALSO ENSURE YOU ARE EATING SUFFICIENT CALORIES AND PROTEIN YOUR BODY NEEDS ENOUGH FUEL TO BUILD MUSCLE AND MAINTAIN ENERGY SINCE YOUR APPETITE IS FAIR YOU MAY NEED TO INCREASE CALORIES GRADUALLY AND FOCUS ON NUTRITIONALLY DENSE FOODS

INCLUDE LEGUMES ,BEANS LENTILS ,TOFU AND DAIRY PRODUCTS LIKE MILK CURD AND CHEESE ADD HEALTHY FATS LIKE NUT ,BUTTERS ,GHEE ,COCONUT AND SESAME OIL ALONG WITH DRY FRUITS AND SEEDS TO BOOST CALORIE INTAKE EAT FREQUENT MEALS EVERY TWO TO THREE HOURS AND INCLUDE PROTEIN IN EVERY MEAL

COMBINE YOUR DIET WITH STRENGTH TRAINING EXERCISES LIKE WEIGHT LIFTING BODY WEIGHT EXERCISES AND RESISTANCE BANDS TO STIMULATE MUSCLE GROWTH ADEQUATE SLEEP AND STRESS MANAGEMENT ARE ALSO CRUCIAL BECAUSE HORMONES RESPONSIBLE FOR MUSCLE BUILDING WORK BEST WHEN YOU ARE WELL RESTED AND RELAXED

HOMEMADE PROTEIN SHAKES WITH MILK BANANA OATS AND NUTS INCREASES CALORIES WITHOUT FEELING TOO FULL ALSO USE WARM DIGESTIBLE FOODS THAT SUPPORT GOOD DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS

YOU CAN TAKE ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA 1 TSP WITH WARM MILK AT NIGHT SHWETHA MUSLI PAK 1 TSP WITH WARM MILK AT NIGHT

GRADUAL AND STEADY APPROACH WITH PROTEIN CALORIE AND STRENGTH TRAINING FOCUS WILL GIVE BEST RESULTS WITHOUT OVERSTRESSING DIGESTION

13597 answered questions
29% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
Musli Pak - Baidyanath
Ashwagandha Churna - Dabur
Accepted response

0 replies

Take rajwadiprash gold 1tsp with milk, chitrakadhi vati 1tab bd, Pancharista 20ml bd, drasksharista 20ml bd enough u ll get results

Dr RC BAMS MS

14700 answered questions
35% best answers

0 replies

Namaste 🙏

I’ll guide you properly with an Ayurvedic approach for healthy weight & muscle gain, not just fat. From your details, the main issue is not food quantity, but weak Agni (digestion & absorption).

When Agni is low, even good food doesn’t convert into Māṃsa dhātu (muscle).

🧠 Ayurvedic Understanding Your symptoms suggest: - Vata predominance - Manda / Vishama Agni (poor digestion, low appetite) - Poor Rasa → Mamsa dhatu poshana So first we correct digestion, then nourish tissues.

🌿 AYURVEDIC PRESCRIPTION (6–8 weeks)

1️⃣ Agni Deepana & Pachana (MOST IMPORTANT) Without this, weight gain won’t happen. - Before meals (2× daily): Chitrakadi Vati – 1 tablet (or Hingwashtak Churna ½ tsp if gas is not severe) ➡️ Take with lukewarm water ⏳ Duration: 3–4 weeks

2️⃣ Appetite & Tissue Builder

- Ashwagandha Lehyam / Avaleha 1 tsp morning & night With warm milk ✔️ Improves appetite ✔️ Builds muscle strength ✔️ Reduces stress & fatigue

3️⃣ Core Weight & Muscle Gainer - Vidarikand Churna 1 tsp With warm milk + ½ tsp ghee At bedtime ✔️ Classical Ayurvedic mass gainer ✔️ Improves Mamsa & Shukra dhatu

4️⃣ If digestion is very weak / bloating present Add: - Avipattikar Churna – ½ tsp at night (only if acidity, gas, heaviness)

🥗 AYURVEDIC DIET (Very Important) Eat like this (don’t force food): - Warm, freshly cooked food - Ghee daily (2–3 tsp) - Moong dal, rice, wheat roti - Paneer (homemade) - Milk + dates (soaked) - Banana + ghee (small quantity)

❌ Avoid: - Cold food, curd at night - Raw salads at night - Excess dry fruits (they increase Vata) - Protein powders for now

🏋️ Exercise Guidance - Strength training 3–4 days/week - Avoid over-cardio - Sleep 7–8 hours (muscle grows during sleep)

⏳ Expected Results - Appetite improves in 2–3 weeks - Weight gain starts in 4–6 weeks - Muscle strength & energy ↑ in 6–8 weeks

⚠️ Very Important Note If you have: - Chronic gas - Constipation - Thyroid issue - Stress / anxiety 👉 treatment needs slight modification

Tq

12380 answered questions
30% best answers

0 replies

Hello, You’ve been trying to gain muscle/weight for more than 6 months, you are moderately active, eating vegetarian food and dry fruits, yet seeing poor results and you often have to force yourself to eat. This clearly suggests that the issue is not lack of food, but poor digestion, absorption, and tissue-building (Dhatwagni mandya).

Unless digestion and assimilation improve, simply eating more will not build muscle.

The good news: once digestion and tissue nourishment are corrected, weight and muscle gain becomes natural.

🔎 Basic Evaluation (If Possible) (Helps rule out hidden causes) CBC Vitamin B12 & Vitamin D Thyroid profile (TSH) Stool examination (if bloating/poor appetite)

💊 Internal Medicines Phase 1 – Improve Appetite & Digestion (21–30 days) (Foundation for weight gain) 1.Chitrakadi Vati – 1 tablet twice daily before meals 2.Hingwashtak Churna – ¼ tsp with warm water before lunch and dinner 3.Takrarishta – 15 ml with equal water after lunch

Phase 2 – Muscle & Weight Building (60–90 days) (Start after appetite improves) 1.Ashwagandha Churna – 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime 1.Vidaryadi Ghrita – 1 tsp twice daily (morning & night) with warm milk (Excellent for muscle, strength, and healthy weight) 3.Shatavari Churna – ½–1 tsp with warm milk once daily 4.Drakshadi Lehya / Ashwagandha Avaleha – 1 tsp twice daily after meals

🥗 Diet Strategy (Very Important) ❌ Common Mistakes • Eating large quantities with weak appetite • Skipping meals then overeating • Too much dry food (nuts without moisture) • Excess raw salads

✅ Correct Weight-Gain Diet (Vegetarian) Morning • Warm milk + soaked dates or raisins Breakfast • Dosa/Idli with ghee OR oats + milk • Add protein (paneer / curd if tolerated) Lunch • Rice or roti + dal + cooked vegetables • 1 tsp ghee mandatory Evening • Milk + banana or homemade smoothie Dinner (early) • Khichdi / soft roti + vegetables 👉 Dry fruits should be soaked and taken in moderation.

🏋️ Exercise Guidance ✔ Continue exercise, but: • Focus on strength training, not excess cardio • Rest days are essential • Avoid overtraining (it blocks weight gain)

🧘🏻‍♂️ Yoga Support • Vajrasana after meals • Bhujangasana • Shalabhasana • Surya Namaskar (slow, limited rounds)

🕉️ Expected Results & Follow-up • Appetite improves: 2–3 weeks • Weight gain begins: 4–6 weeks • Muscle strength increases: 2–3 months

✨ Real weight gain starts from digestion, not just calories. Stay consistent — your body will respond.

With kind regards, Dr. Sumi MS (Ayu)

251 answered questions
32% best answers

0 replies

Take chitrakadi vati 2 bd Take livtone 2 bd Take ashwagandha 2 bd Take cow ghee 5 ml at empty stomch at morning

1659 answered questions
41% best answers

0 replies

1.Chyawanprash 1 tsp with warm milk empty stomach in the morning 2.Ashwagandha capsules 2 cap twice daily with warm milk after meals 3.Vidarikand churna 1 tsp twice daily with warm milk after meals 4.Draksharishta 20 ml with 20 ml water twice daily after meals

🌸 Supportive Routine

Diet: - Add more snigdha (unctuous) foods—milk, ghee, paneer, soaked almonds, dates. - Include mung dal khichdi with ghee, wheat preparations, and seasonal fruits.

Appetite support: - Small piece of fresh ginger with rock salt before meals. - Warm water or cumin-fennel tea to kindle digestion.

Exercise: - Moderate strength training (push-ups, squats, yoga asanas like bhujangasana, dhanurasana) to direct nutrition into muscle.

11792 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

You’re doing great with vegetarian foods & dry fruits, the missing piece is higher calorie intake + muscle-building focus (since appetite is fair & meals irregular).

Medicines to help in gaining weight Ashwagandha Lehyam – 10 gm morning + night with warm milk Chyawanprash – 10 gm morning with milk Vidaryadi Ghrita – 5–10 gm morning empty stomach with warm water Shilajit resin – 300–500 mg morning with warm water

Daily Diet (eat more frequently – 5–6 meals) Breakfast: 200 ml warm milk + ghee + 4 almonds + 2 dates + banana Mid-morning: moong khichdi + ghee Lunch: rice/roti + dal + sabzi + 2 tsp ghee Evening: milkshake (milk + banana + dates) Dinner: same as lunch but lighter Night: warm milk + ghee

Exercise Strength training 3–4 days/week (weights/bodyweight – squats, push-ups) Walk 30 min daily

This vegetarian combo (Ashwagandha + Chyawanprash + ghee/milk) is the most effective for muscle/weight gain

Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma

1827 answered questions
26% best answers

0 replies

Here is a complete schedule for you to help you in your weight gain journey.

Breakfast 8-9.30 am Upma, Poha, Idli, Dosa, Moong Dal Chilla, Vegetable Paratha (Potato paratha once in a while) with a cup of buffalo milk

Mid Snack 11-11.30 am 1 fruit which ever you like

Lunch 12.30-1.30pm A bowl of Dal A bowl of vegetable Roti Rice 2 tsp of ghee

Hi Tea 4 -4.30pm 1 cup of milk with any breakfast item you like. You can have a fruit as well but than avoid milk.

Dinner 7.30-8.30 pm 1 bowl of dal 1 bowl of vegetable Roti Rice 2 tsp of ghee

❌Things to Avoid❌ Processed food Oily food Ready to eat food Maida Desserts

✔️Must do✔️ Exercise is must Have a fruit after exercise best prefered banana You can replace fruits with boiled eggs Twice a week swimming or running Weight training if possible Surya namaskar daily atleast 10. Start from whatever is possible.

Exercise will increase your hunger and you will notice your appetite increasing.

💊Medication💊

Syp. Drakshasav 3 tsp twice a day before food Tab. Liv 52 DS 1 tab twice a day before food Tab. Ampachak Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food.

Full body massage with lukewarm sesame seed oil followed by exercise.

Take Tab. Bandy Plus (deworming medication) 1 tab at night before you start your medication.

Remember you will not see effect in one or two days but you will notice changes within 15 days.

A blend of exercise n healthy food will help you in your weight gain programme.

1652 answered questions
20% best answers

0 replies

Start with Chyavanprash 2tsp once daily before food with water Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1tsp at bedtime with cool milk. Tablet Liv-52 1-0-1 after food with water Gokshura tablet 2-0-0 after food with water. Do light exercises not heavy workout. Include black dates peanuts bananas in your diet daily Include 3-4 tsp of cow’s ghee in your diet.

13426 answered questions
31% best answers

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


How much Moringa powder should a 17-year-old take for height increase and can it be taken with other medications for fungal infection?
Seeking Dietary Recommendations for Weakness and Hair Fall
How to combine foods according to Ayurvedic principles for better health?
Can I drink watermelon juice after curd without losing its benefits?
What are some cooling foods like chia seeds for a TCM heat damp clearing detox diet?
Can I mix papaya seeds and bananas together for health benefits, and what happens if I take them 3 times a week?
Seeking Advice on Weight Gain and Nut Consumption
Benefits of Cinnamon and Clove Water in the Morning
How to use shilajit herb for health benefits and what dosage is recommended?
Best Anti-Inflammatory Oils and Teas for Pitta Dosha
What are some meals I can eat for fat loss at 18 years old and 64 kg?
When is the best time to consume chia seeds for managing blood sugar, and how do I use them effectively?
How can I increase my height after puberty with a vegetarian diet?
Is my morning and post-food herbal regimen beneficial?
What Ayurvedic medicines like leghyams can help me gain weight in a month?
Seeking Guidance for Healthy Weight Gain
Managing My Son's Prediabetes and Fatty Liver
How quickly do chia seeds soaked in water leave the stomach and affect nutrient absorption?
Nutritional Deficiencies and Mood Issues
Is it safe to drink fennugreek seed water twice a day?
How to use Shilajit herb for health benefits and what is the recommended dosage?
Best Supplements for Low Iron and Weak Digestion
Will taking Shatavari tablets cause weight gain while breastfeeding?
Can I safely consume buffalo ghee to increase my weight at 65?
Is Besan Chilla Safe for Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver?
Is drinking diluted white vinegar with green tea, lemon, and hot water good for my health?
Morning Drink: Ginger Turmeric Honey vs Ajwain Sauf Jeera Water
Seeking a Safe Weight Loss Plan for Abdominal and Thigh Fat
How to cleanse my gut and gain weight with food intolerances?
What to feed my 4-year-old daughter to help her become mentally and physically strong after meningitis and seizures?
Can I consume chia seeds and walnuts daily as a Pitta dosha predominant individual?
How can I enhance my diet to boost my baby's immunity through breastfeeding?
How to use Varanasi Kadayam for weight loss and how long should I take it?
Guidance on Taking Ghee and Turmeric
Diet Suggestions for Reducing Belly Fat
Seeking Authentic Chyawanprash for Skin, Hair, and Well-being
Advice on Kitchen Drinks and Foods to Reduce Belly Fat
Health Benefits and Risks of Eating Raw Mustard Seed
Seeking Help to Increase Weight at Age 50
How to Store Fennel Seed Water?
Dietary Guidance for Fungal Infection Recovery
Benefits of Ginger and Lemon Water
How to gain weight at 19 years old with a height of 165cm and weight of 47kg?
How to eat muli (radish) with yogurt for best health benefits?
Best Powder for Increasing Weight
How to Reduce Cellulite Effectively?
How to use Shatavari for height increase in a 19-year-old girl?
How to Balance My Dosha Naturally?
Best Foods to Reduce Belly Fat
How to make and use moringa leaf powder, and what are its benefits and side effects?
Diet Plan for Healthy Weight Gain at Age 14
How to Reduce Cellulite Effectively?
Will taking Shatavari tablets help with weight gain while breastfeeding?
Ideal Timings for Eating Dry Fruits
Plant-Based Diet for Muscle Gain and Energy
Can I take strength-boosting herbs with milk for weak digestion?
Seeking Advice on Weight Gain and Nut Consumption
What to do for bloating, low appetite, and weak stomach muscles with a weight of 48 kg?
Do Chia Seeds Help with Weight Loss?
How to help my 13-year-old son lose body fat and promote height growth safely?
How long before dinner should I take Ayurvedic weight supplement and is it harmful?
Which Herbal Tea Blend is Better for Morning?
What foods should I eat or avoid with a Pitta constitution and abdominal pain after spicy foods?
How to increase my height at 23 years old with a good diet?
What diet should I follow after fasting to stay healthy and gain weight?
How to increase my 15-year-old daughter's weight with Ayurvedic foods or herbs?
Is it safe to add curd to dal rice paste for fermentation to make dhokla?
How to increase appetite and gain weight for a 36-year-old with low appetite?
Best Ways to Lose Body Fat Safely
Can I eat apples and oranges together at night instead of a meal?
Seeking Budget-Friendly Protein Sources for Muscle Growth
Diet Recommendations for Taking Shiva Lingabeeja
Diet Suggestions for Weight Gain Without Wheat, Dairy, and Sugar
How can I increase my weight to 70 kgs?
How can I safely increase my weight and improve skin elasticity?
Seeking Warming Foods for Cold Sensitivity
Can I eat murabba with papaya for breakfast to aid digestion?
How to Mix Kokum Instant Powder with Amla and Stevia?
Herbal Tea Tips for Morning
How to Consume Black Sesame Seeds for Health Benefits?
Struggling to Gain Weight with IBS
What is the best Pitta dosha diet plan and what foods should I avoid?
Struggling with Nutritional Absorption and Gut Health
How to use Shatavari for height increase at 19 years old?
How to convert 40cc of AMLA juice to the equivalent amount of AMLA powder?
Seeking Safe Calcium Supplements for Stronger Bones
How to Achieve Gut Health for Radiant Skin and Hair?
Is it safe to eat garlic on an empty stomach?
How long should I take a break from beetroot juice and olive oil?
Is it safe to heat curd when making idli or appam with suji?
Seeking Ayurvedic Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency
How to use medicine for weight loss while going to the gym for a 5'7" female weighing 82 kg?
How to improve nutrition and protein intake for a 54-year-old with digestion issues and low appetite?
Seeking Ayurvedic Remedies for Weight Gain
Seeking Guidance for Weight and Muscle Gain
Do Chia Seeds with Lemon Juice Increase Body Heat?
Is it safe to drink fenugreek water and tea with my medications?
Can I eat banana and milk or fish and milk together?
How to Manage Weight Loss and Abdominal Bloating After Delivery?
Best Time to Consume Moringa and Amla Tablets Postpartum

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Sage
9 hours ago
Thanks a lot doc! Your answer was super helpful and clear. Feeling more hopeful now, gonna give it try!
Thanks a lot doc! Your answer was super helpful and clear. Feeling more hopeful now, gonna give it try!
Logan
10 hours ago
So grateful for the thorough guidance! Feeling much better about my situation. Really appreciate the clear advice on what to watch for too. Thanks a lot!
So grateful for the thorough guidance! Feeling much better about my situation. Really appreciate the clear advice on what to watch for too. Thanks a lot!
Paris
11 hours ago
The doc gave an honest take on using Ayurveda alongside surgery. His tips for boosting memory and strength with herbs are super helpful. Appreciate the detailed suggestions!
The doc gave an honest take on using Ayurveda alongside surgery. His tips for boosting memory and strength with herbs are super helpful. Appreciate the detailed suggestions!
Aria
11 hours ago
This answer was really on point and just what I needed! Gave me a great roadmap for Ayurvedic options for my mom. Thanks so much!
This answer was really on point and just what I needed! Gave me a great roadmap for Ayurvedic options for my mom. Thanks so much!