Ways to get taller: Before we get to what you can do to increase your height, let’s understand how our bodies grow naturally, and what we can do to amplify and supplement those processes. First things first, your height is primarily defined by genetics. Your parents’ genes will largely decide how tall you will be.
There are other contributing factors like proper nutrition, sleep patterns, and physical activity. However, their role in your height development is not as significant as genetics.
Your pituitary gland secretes HGH (Human Growth Hormone) that is responsible for muscle and bone growth, metabolism of fat, and body composition. This usually happens around puberty, around which most people have growth spurts that usually start between the ages of 12 and 13, and continue for five to six years. Some people continue to grow even after this, but it’s an exception rather than the norm. Height is associated with attractiveness and prestige. In modern culture, shorter people are always neglected in favour of their taller peers. Tall people are also associated with power. Most of the world’s leading CEOs and world leaders were found to be above average height. So, it’s natural that people always aspire to add a few more inches to their height. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Get Proper Nutrition
Even though the body is secreting lower amounts of growth hormones, it is still possible to augment their production by eating right. A healthy diet should be rich in proteins, essential fats, complex carbohydrates, and all the nutrients and vitamins possible. Food is the fuel for the body to grow. Milk, lean meats, leafy vegetables, and nuts should be the pillars of your height increasing diet.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is the best way to increase height after 18. As we age, it is important to include some form of physical activity in our routines. More so, if you are looking to add a few inches to your frame. Any physical activity that involves jumping, running or other aerobic activities will result in longer and stronger bones.
3. Get Adequate Sleep
It’s no secret that our bodies are always functioning, even as we sleep. Children grow the most in their sleep. Hence, it is essential that you sleep soundly for at least eight hours. Another factor that determines how you grow is your sleeping posture. For best results, lie down on your back without a pillow. Elevate your knees slightly by placing a small pillow under them. This is the most natural posture for your spine.
4. Go Out In The Sun
Go for a walk or jog in the sun, ideally in the morning when the sun is not at its brightest. Include natural sources of vitamin D in your diet like milk, cheese, eggs, and fish. Sunlight is the easiest way of absorbing vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium into your bones. Thus, the more sunlight you absorb, the better it is for the overall bone strength and length.
5. Avoid Growth Inhibitors
Regular consumption of alcohol has been found to inhibit growth and affect the body’s natural functioning. Due to its adverse effects on the liver, excessive alcohol consumption is not recommended. Smoking is also harmful to those looking to grow taller. Smoking increases the presence of carbon monoxide in your bloodstream. This limits the flow of blood and nutrients to the areas that are growing, thus stunting their growth. Smoking also results in lower production of testosterone, an anabolic hormone related to muscle and bone growth.
6. Do Stretches
Stretching is an ideal way to relieve stress on your lower back and let your spine stretch out to its full length. There are several popular yoga poses, like the Surya Namaskar, that sufficiently stretch your body. These stretches should be performed along with appropriate exercise and balanced nutrition. This will ensure the best results.
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