What Does Your Body Need to Grow Taller?

Growth plates are located near the ends of the bones in the cartilage. After puberty, your growth rate slows down significantly. To increase height, it is important to maintain healthy habits as a child and a teenager.

Proper Balanced Diet

• A balanced diet is important to promote healthy bone growth.

  There are important nutrients that should be consumed in order to grow properly. Vitamins A and D and iron, zinc, protein and calcium are all important for bone growth. Fruits, vegetables, protein (meats, nuts, soy) and at least eight glasses of water a day help promote healthy bone growth.

Swimming for Bone Growth

• Swimming helps to stretch the spine and decrease the risk of backbone deformation.

  During swimming, the spine is stretched, along with other areas of the body. Swimming also reduces the risk of deformation in the back and improves posture. Swimming may increase height, if only by a few centimeters.

Sleep for Growth Hormones

• During sleep, growth hormones are released into your body.

  During the first few hours of sleep, your body releases growth hormones. When you do not receive the proper amount of sleep (7 to 8 hours a night), the amount of growth hormones released is decreased. Growth hormones are also released after exercise.

Stretching and Posture

• Stretching may increase your height by a few centimeters.

  When stretching regularly, your height may increase by a few centimeters. Stretching also aides in correct posture. A slouched back may be decreasing your posture by up to 2 inches. Standing up straight may add up to 2 inches to your height simply by correcting your posture.