Debunking Common Myths About Height Increase

Embark on a journey to unravel the truth about height increase as we debunk common myths surrounding this topic. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into scientific insights, dispel misconceptions, and provide clarity on genetic, nutritional, and exercise-related aspects that influence our height. Let’s separate fact from fiction and gain a deeper understanding of what truly contributes to our vertical growth.

Is the Belief that Genetic Inheritance Solely Determines Body Height Accurate?

The belief that genetic inheritance solely determines body height is a common misconception. Many parents think, “If parents are short, their child can’t be tall.” This is not entirely accurate. Some believe, “Regardless of parents’ height, good nutrition will ensure a child’s height.” This, too, is not entirely correct.

Genetics is indeed a crucial factor in determining a child’s height. However, if a child lacks essential nutrients during the growth phase, achieving optimal height dictated by genetics becomes challenging. Providing sufficient nutrients for body development can help a child reach their genetically predetermined height and potentially even a bit taller.

In simpler terms, any form of supplementation, including growth hormones or milk, can only help a child reach a certain maximum height (determined by genetics), not exceed it. In other words, you can’t “argue” with genetics.

Many factors influence a child's later height development.

Many factors influence a child’s later height development.

Believing That Drinking Milk Alone Is Sufficient for Height Growth?

Milk is a vital nutrient source for growth and development, providing ideal protein and calcium for height gain. While milk is a prerequisite for achieving desired height, it’s not sufficient. Calcium and protein, essential for optimal growth, are not the only components in milk. In addition to these, there’s a need for nutritional supplementation from vitamin-rich foods and minerals like vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, iron, and notably, vitamin D. This supports calcium absorption and ensures a comprehensive supply of necessary nutrients, especially proteins and vital growth factors, for optimal height attainment.

Believing that More Calcium Supplementation is Better?

Beside the misconception that drinking milk alone is enough for height growth, there’s another misunderstanding that more calcium supplementation is better. Many parents, in addition to encouraging their children to drink a lot of milk, also supplement their diet with calcium-rich foods such as shrimp, crab, fish, and even calcium supplements, unaware that improper calcium supplementation can be harmful.

Calcium constitutes 1.5-2% of the body weight, approximately 1,200-1,600g for an adult male weighing 176lb 6oz (80 kilograms). About 99% of calcium is found in teeth and bones. The rest is distributed in soft tissues, blood, liver, and heart. Half of the calcium in the blood exists as dissolved ion Ca2+, 40% binds to proteins, and 7-10% is in the form of ion complexes like calcium citrate and calcium phosphate.

While calcium is essential for bone structure, excessive supplementation isn’t a guarantee of increased height. Incorrect supplementation can even have adverse effects on a child’s health, leading to premature bone ossification and hindering optimal height development. Excessive calcium can result in symptoms such as constipation, nausea, and, most dangerously, kidney failure.

Moreover, supplementing calcium without accompanying vitamin D (which aids calcium absorption) means that the actual calcium intake into the body may not be as significant as expected. The incorporation of calcium into bones also depends on factors like MK7 (vitamin K2). Excessive calcium supplementation without attention to these factors, including genetics, physical activity, lifestyle (especially sleep patterns), and a balanced diet, may not contribute to robust bones or height increase in children as anticipated.

Read more: What is Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?

Withholding sunlight exposure for children

Early morning and late afternoon sunlight serves as an abundant source of vitamin D for humans. However, many mothers worry that their children might be prone to sunburn, illness, or flu-like symptoms, leading them to insist on keeping their children indoors.

This is one of the misconceptions of parents because sunlight is a primary natural source of vitamin D for the body. Vitamin D directly aids in calcium absorption in the bones. Therefore, even if mothers supplement their children with ample calcium but restrict exposure to sunlight (for vitamin D supplementation), the child’s body may still suffer from calcium deficiency due to the insufficient transformation of calcium. It is recommended that mothers and children spend 10-30 minutes in the sun each day to promote metabolic processes and support the rapid growth of bones.

Height Growth Blog - How To Maximize Height
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