Q: In my blood test, the TSH value is 42 against 5.5 max. My age is 62 years(male) and healthy. Is it is common in Indians? Any vegetarian diet that can help?

A:An elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) value means that the thyroid gland is not making enough of the thyroid hormone, forcing the pituitary gland to make more of TSH. It may be temporary or permanent. In case it is permanent then thyroid hormone therapy is the only means to treat the condition. Diet changes are not likely to help. In most big cities salt is iodinated.