How to Grow Taller and Achieve Maximum Height

Do you wish to grow taller? Whether we like it or not, height can greatly impact the success of a person. But the capability to grow taller or shorter has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, no matter how good you are in your favorite sport, you’re not likely to excel if you didn’t grow taller. Height gives size, power and athleticism to a taller athlete over a shorter one (although shorter athletes are much quicker and agile). On the other hand, taller people are more likely to develop back or posture problems as they age.
Height and success is not directly proportional, however, height alone can’t decide your fate. But if you want and have the potential to grow taller, read on the next sections of this article.

Determinants of Height

The most crucial growth spurt happens around the pubertal stage and stops as soon as you get past puberty. The pituitary gland and the liver secrete growth hormones called somatotropin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) respectively, which are responsible for the growth of bones, especially long bones found in the arms and legs. This makes you grow taller but slows down as you grow old.
The determinants of height are mainly genetic and the environment you live in. Although not perfectly hereditary, the maximum stature of a person can be predicted by how tall or short his parents are. The combination of genes from the parents has a major effect whether their child has the ability to grow taller. In these, genes are where the physical characteristics like eye and hair color, skin complexion and height is decided. Therefore, it is likely for tall parents to grow taller offspring, but not always the case. Sometimes, shorter parents can also grow taller offspring and vice versa.
Environmental factors refer to the nutrition the body receives. The best way to grow taller is through eating a well-balanced diet. Also, the geographical location and race contribute to the height of a person. For instance, majority of European races grow taller than some Asian races. In the US, the average height for males is 5’9½”, while females are 5’4”.

Conditions Affecting Height

There are certain conditions that hinder the growth of a person, one is liver failure. Liver produces IGF-1 growth hormone, an important part of the growth process. Without such hormones, the body will have a hard time developing. Growth hormone abnormalities and hypothyroidism also limit a person to grow taller.

The ability of the body to absorb nutrients is also important. This is the only way we can support our body to grow taller. The inability to use these nutrients doesn’t only stunts growth but also deteriorates other important functions of the body.
Bone problems especially spine conditions like osteoporosis can also make someone smaller than his actual height.

Tips and Ways to Grow Taller

To grow taller, you must maintain a good lifestyle and implement strict discipline.

1. Nutrition. It is the most important factor in inducing the height of a person. Without a well-balanced diet, other factors, even hereditary hormones will not make you grow taller. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain vitamins and minerals. You may also take vitamin or mineral supplements.

Make sure to include calcium in your diet. Calcium makes the bones stronger and healthier. We all know bones play a crucial part in the growth process of the human body. To be able to maintain healthy bones, you should also strengthen your muscles. Eat foods that are rich in protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Pay good attention to your diet, this will not only benefit your height but also the overall health of mind and body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and stay away from smoking, alcohol and unhealthy foods like junk foods. Lastly, avoid stress.

2. Be physically active. People who were active in their childhood years are found to have a steady or better growth rate than those who were not. Intensive physical activities don’t stunt growth, instead they help to absorb the nutrients properly and help you grow taller. Engage in different types of sports especially swimming and cycling or perform exercises that focus on the backbone. Stretching exercises are good, too.

3. Rest. Make sure you are getting at least 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It’s in sleep that growth hormones are vastly secreted by glands to stimulate bone growth. This is also critical in the ability to grow taller.

4. Hormone supplements. Another way to grow taller is to inject growth hormone supplements to the body. However, this should only be done upon a doctor’s advice.

5. Bone lengthening surgeries. If you’re past puberty, then you’re not likely to grow taller. A few hospitals perform a procedure called leg/bone lengthening surgery. This will add a few inches to your height. Take note though, this method can be traumatic to the body and the recovery time is long. Ask yourself first if it’s worth to grow taller.