I WANT TO GROW TALLER
QIs it possible to increase one’s height after puberty? I’ve seen several products online including one called ‘feet stimulating insoles’ that I’ve been wearing daily in the hope of getting taller. But I’ve not seen any difference. Are there any tips in ayurveda to boost height?
AWhen it comes to height increase, many people aren’t sure what to believe. Height depends on many factors like sex, race, parental height. Height in initial years depends mainly on nutrition, then growth hormones and later on, sex hormones.
Children grow at a steady rate for the first 10 to 12 years of their lives, then experience a growth spurt for the next two years.
After this, their growth rate slows until it stops at the end of puberty. This usually happens around age 18 for girls and 20 for boys.
The final stages of this growth occur in the epiphysis, or growth plates, at the end of the long bones (arms and legs).
During puberty, they begin to solidify. Once the epiphysis are fused, further growth is not possible. Among adults (those who are 21 years old and above) whose growth plates have fused, the chances of growing are pretty much zero even if there is an overproduction of growth hormones. In other words, you’re unlikely to grow even a centimetre, even if you were to benefit from excessive growth hormone secretion.
To answer your question, if you are still in the growth period, consuming a diet rich in protein, iron, vitamin B12 and other minerals will be beneficial. These nutrients can be had from foods such as eggs, nuts, pulses, milk, poultry, and green leafy vegetables. Green gram is an easy digestible protein supplement. Sesame seeds too are a healthy addition to your diet.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are also key to healthy growth.
There are a few prescription ayurveda tonics that could be beneficial.
Attempting some postural exercises could also may make a difference of 0.6-1.2cm on standing height.
That said, do not feel bad for what you are; major achievers were not focused on their height, but capitalised on their talents. I’m sure you are special, too.