Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can improve one’s health and help in increasing one’s height. (News18 Hindi)
Though many think that it is unlikely that you one can see a significant increase in height after 18 years of age, experts suggest that eating a proper balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help
People often wonder if they can get any taller after the age of 18. While genetics play a major role in determining a person’s height, experts agree that proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can improve one’s health and help in increasing one’s height. Doctors say that some natural remedies can affect your height even after becoming an adult.
Dr. Rahul Chaura, an endocrinologist at Yashoda Hospital in Kaushambi, said that proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on bones and posture even after the age of 18.
“Although major changes in height are rarely seen after 18 years, a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, along with regular exercise, can enhance your posture, body strength, and overall health, which can lead to a slight improvement in height. Also, it is important to understand that nutrition plays an important role in improving one’s health not just in childhood but throughout life,” Dr Chaura said.
Tanvi Chauhan, Manager of Health and Nutrition at Bal Raksha Bharat, said, “If one’s height seems less than average during adolescence, then their intake of nutrients in their diet should be thoroughly checked. Taking the right nutrients help in attaining the full height and maintaining good health.”
“Protein plays a very important role in the formation of muscles and for the development of bones. Lentils, nuts, and soy products contain a good amount of protein. Eggs, chicken, and fish also provide protein. Adequate intake of protein and calcium can help in achieving the right height,” Chauhan added.
Nutrients that help in increasing one’s height:
Calcium – Calcium is essential for strengthening bones and maintaining height. Milk, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods are the main sources of calcium.
Vitamin D – Helps your body absorb calcium, which makes bones strong. Sunlight, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals are its main sources.
Protein – It is essential for muscle growth and tissue repair. Lean meat, beans, and nuts are rich in protein, which can help improve height.
Zinc – Essential for overall health and can influence height. Seeds, pulses, and whole grains are good sources of zinc.
Tips to increase height:
Some lifestyle changes can prove beneficial to increase one’s height.
. Stretching exercises – Incorporate activities like yoga, Pilates, and stretching into your routine to improve your posture and make you look taller naturally.
. Adequate sleep- Human growth hormone (HGH) which helps in increasing height is released during sleep. A good sleep of seven to nine hours can increase the level of this hormone.
. Hydration- Staying hydrated is important for cell growth in the body, which maintains the overall strength of the body.