Difficulty gaining weight - #21032
I'm 22 & 5'4" but still too skinny with only 39 kg body weight. It's making me frustrated a lot. Whenever I try to gain weight by consuming calorie dense foods, it causes me bloating, gas, acidity and I have to stop there. I'm suffering from hypothyroidism but still skinny where I've heard of people gaining weight for hypothyroidism. I lack calcium in my bones, it's causing me joint pain, spondylitis. I can't digest gluten and lactose food items. What should I do now? Can I gain weight at all?
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Doctors’ responses
Regular exercise. Shatavari kalp 15gms twice with milk. Tab.Liv52 DS 1-0-1 Tab.Arogyavardhini 2-0-2
Ashwagandha churna- Shatavari churna- 1/2 tsp with warm milk at night Include ghee in diet Chitrakadi vati - 1 tab three times, to be chewed Include fruits vegetables in diet
Aswagandha leham two spoons with warm milk two times a day Sukumar gritha two spoons with warm milk two times a day Avipathikara churna half spoon with warm water before bed time
Aswgandha tab Shatawri tab Ashwagandha powder Moosli paak Bhumiaamlaki swaras Take fruits vegetables and salads lemon juice regularly
Yes, you can certainly gain weight, even with the challenges you’re facing. Understanding Ayurveda, each person has a unique prakriti — and it sounds like yours may be primarily Vata, which often comes with a lean body, sensitive digestion, and quick metabolism. Let’s address your concern step by step.
Firstly, with hypothyroidism, sluggish digestion is common, which is why calorie-dense foods might increase bloating and acidity. Optimizing agni, your digestive fire, is crucial. Start your day with a glass of warm water infused with lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. This will gently stimulate digestive enzymes.
For weight gain, focus on easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods. Cooked grains like rice or quinoa can be easier on digestion. Incorporate healthy fats such as ghee, sesame oil, or soaked nuts. Proteins like well-cooked lentils or mung dal - sprouted if possible, can support muscle growth and repair. Eating smaller, more frequent meals will also ease the digestive burden.
For your joint pain and calcium deficiency, Ayurveda suggests increasing medhya dravyas (nourishing substances), like ashwagandha and shatavari, which can be taken as supplements or in powdered form with milk (opt for lactose-free or almond milk). Always remember to consult with an ayurvedic practitioner before starting any herb.
Engage in calming, grounding activities to balance Vata, which may help with spondylitis. Practices such as yoga, pranayama, or meditation can also support overall health and reduce stress.
Avoid gluten and lactose, paying attention to whether other food allergens may be present. You can also find calcium in non-dairy sources like broccoli, sesame seeds, or figs.
Consistency and patience are key; this process will be gradual. If symptoms persist, always seek medical advice. Ayurveda complements traditional treatments, not replaces them.

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