Hypo and underweight diet changes?

[bubblesdoy]

I'm on 125 mcg synthroid, my THS is good, but I'm about 10 lbs underweight from what I used to be (97lbs, 5'3), I've had to cut back on exercising (cardio and lifting) because I've got no fat to build muscle from.

I'm always cold, usually depressed but anxious, my heart doesn't feel great (like it's struggling), I've never checked FT3 levels, but I think it might be because of my adrenals over compensating (like I'm always in fight or flight), what should I be eating and what shouldn't? I've also had a persistent candida infection that never really goes away if that makes a difference, I had a goiter that was treated with radioactive iodine which is why I'm now hypo (have been for about 10 years, I'm 27 now).

I'm planning to buy some ashwangha root powder, cause I read somewhere that might help... but everything else I don't know? I eat a lot of protein (mostly game meat, chicken and eggs, usually with potatoes and rice, switched up with pasta once in a while).

[Barb135]

ScalpMassager is right; we don't build muscle from fat... it's a bit more complex, but basically, we build muscle from protein and exercise.

I agree that you symptoms indicate that your medication is not adjusted properly.  You need to get tested for Free T3 and Free T4, along with TSH to determine what your actual thyroid hormone levels are.

Protein is not considered empty calories because your body needs it to build muscle; however, the potatoes, rice and pasta offer very little in the line of nourishment and I agree that they should, mostly, be swapped out for vegetables and some fruits, nuts and nut butters, seeds and healthy fats, such as olive oil, coconut oil, etc.

Even though you are under weight, you still need a healthy diet...

[ScalpMassager]

What is your typical resting heart rate?  Your typical resting blood pressure?

We don't build muscle directly from fat so far as I know.  

Being always cold is a good clue to me that your med level should be reviewed by your doctor likely through a blood test, followed by a new level based on the test result(s).

Your health sounds marginal (I suspect your immune system's weakened).  Do you know your body fat percentage?  If that's really low, that could contribute to weakening immune system.    I suggest switching some of the empty calories (excessive protein) for vegetables (especially leafy green ones).