How Do Children Grow Taller?

It is not unusual to find parents who desire that their children grow tall. hence they feed them with certain foods, hoping that they grow tall fast. But really, what makes children grow tall? What they eat plays a vital role in their height, however, that`s not all to it; there are other factors responsible for how tall children get. Starting with food, what are the foods that make children grow taller? Let`s take a look.

13 Foods that Make Children Taller

Eggs

Proteins play a significant role in increasing children`s height; children who eat an egg a day have a higher tendency of growing much taller than those who don`t. You may boil their eggs, or make an omelet for your children`s breakfast, so they can get some protein and get taller, among other benefits.

Seeds and Nuts

Seeds and nuts are rich in minerals that are fundamental for bone growth. Children who eat pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, almonds, coconut, cashew nuts, and sesame seeds enjoy an adequately healthy mix of calcium and magnesium for general health and height inclusive.

Soybeans

Get your children to eat more soybeans, as it is rich in proteins. Soybeans improve the growth of bones and muscles. There are a number of yummy recipes which you can make, using soybeans.

Fish

Fish contains essential amino acids that are essential for body development. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support the development of the brain. Fish promotes children`s all-round development. Children can eat soft-boned fish like salmon and sardines.

Regular Exercise

While nutrition is a vital factor in gaining some height, it would be greater to combine it with regular physical exercise. Exercises during childhood are more helpful in increasing bone mass. Such exercises also aid calcium metabolism.

Oatmeal

This super-food is rich in proteins and has low-fat content. Oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods for children to eat and grow taller.

Milk

Milk is bursting with calcium which is great for bone health. It also contains proteins which increase the chances of children to grow taller.

Chicken

Chicken is healthy and rich in protein. Not only do children love it, but it also makes them taller. And fortunately, there are a number of recipes you can make with chicken.

Fruits

Fruits get children to grow healthy and strong. They`re rich in vitamin A, hence they strengthen their bones and get them to grow taller.

Whole Grains

Get your children to eat whole grains as much as they can. They`re rich in Vitamin B and iron, among some other nutrients. Whole-grain breads and pastas, as well as cereals, are healthy choices for children.

Yogurt

Yogurt is rich in calcium and vitamin D which are vital to a child’s growth, specifically in height.

Spinach

Spinach is a super-veggie that strengthens children and provides them with iron and calcium ― nutrients which are essential in making children grow taller.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which aids the synthesis of proteins. You may add them to salads or make fresh carrot juice for children to drink, and watch them grow taller.

Some Facts about Height

Height Increase Takes Place at Night

Have you ever joked about children growing taller overnight? Well, turns out it isn`t a mere joke, after all, as growth hormones are released more during sleep. Height increase takes place during the day too, however, it is more at night.

Certain Things Stunt Growth

No, caffeine is not among the things, as you must have heard. One of the common causes of stunted growth in children is cigarettes. Research shows that young boys who smoked frequently between ages 12 and 17 were about an inch shorter than their non-smoking peers. This isn`t the same for girls. Also, medical issues such as hormone imbalances, food allergies, heart, liver, and kidney issues stunt children’s growth, just as stimulant drugs for ADHD.

Height Genes Are Essential

Approximately 60 to 80 percent of people`s height is determined by genetics, while the rest depends on environmental factors, particularly childhood nutrition.

Children Grow Fastest in their First Year

Have you noticed that parents keep buying new clothes month after month for babies? Have you tried to understand how they grow so fast? People grow at their fastest rate in the first year of life, adding about 10 inches to their height.

Height Reduces After Age 40

People lose about a centimeter every 10 years after age 40. After age 70, they even lose more. How is this possible, you may wonder? It is as a result of the changes in the bones, tendons, and muscles. Anybody can experience height loss. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly prevent height loss and bone loss.

Some Height Myths

Myth 1: It is impossible to grow taller after puberty or after a certain age.

It is possible to grow taller at any age. This myth stems from the fact that growth plates become fully fused, and as a result, the bones cannot grow any further in length. However, this does not apply to the spine, hence the spine can grow in length even after puberty, and bring about some growth in height.

Myth 2: You have to drink milk to grow taller.

This is not true, as there are loads of dairy-free foods that bring about an increase in height. The major reason milk and other dairy products are emphasized for height growth is their richness in vitamin D and calcium. Inasmuch as these two nutrients are essential for an increase in height, they can be found in non-dairy foods. Considering the aforementioned, milk is not mandatory for an increase in height.

Myth 3: Height is solely determined by genetics.

No, genetics is not the only factor that determines how tall people can get. Yes, it plays a significant role, however, there are some other factors that influence it. Some of these factors are lifestyle, diet, posture, exercise, sleep habits, and hormonal balance.

Myth 4: Tall people make more money.

No doubt, taller people tend to be chosen over their shorter counterparts for certain jobs. Also, taller people tend to have better self-esteem which leads to better performance, and better performance leads to job success. However, generally speaking, there is no direct link between people`s height and their financial competence.

Myth 5: Your height affects your attractiveness.

Some people see height as beauty, hence they think that taller people are more attractive. However, there are a number of factors that contribute to a person’s attractiveness, hence not-so-tall people aren`t necessarily less attractive.

Some Child Growth Facts

• A fetus, in its mother’s womb, is first a tiny embryo – smaller than a grain of rice.
• After two months, the fetus is about the size of a finger, and it is about this time that it develops a brain, eyes, ears, muscles, bones, and all that it requires to live.
• Babies weigh about seven pounds when they’re born ― growing from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a small watermelon.
• In the first year, babies learn to eat, sit up, talk, crawl, and walk.
• Healthy nutrition during pregnancy ensures a healthier baby. Also, mothers are expected to practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months, after which they should introduce age-appropriate complementary foods, and continue breastfeeding.
• Appropriate feeding reduces the risk of stunting and obesity in young children; it also stimulates their intellectual development.
• Pregnant women are expected to eat a variety of healthy foods, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and moderate amounts of fats, oils, salt, and sugars.