5 Factors That May Deprive You From Growing Taller

Your height is both within and outside your control. Here are some of the factors that influence a person's height, some of which you can change with effort, while others are not modifiable no matter how much you try.

1. Genetic factors

The characteristics expressed in human genes are beyond anyone's control. Like all other physical attributes, a person's height is governed by genes. However, if both the mother and the father are short, then it does not mean that all the children they will have will have the same stature. Some of the children might end up tall. This is because height is one of the human attributes that is dictated by many genes.

2. Gestational factors

While the fetus is developing inside the mother's womb, it receives all the nutrients from the food that the mother eats, and its development is also influenced by the mother's activities. Poor nutrition in the womb could lead to stunted growth in post-natal development. Intake of certain medications may also have dire effects, not only on the baby's growth but in the formation of organs and other body structures. Meanwhile, some studies reveal that smoking during pregnancy is associated with short stature. Similarly, babies and children who are sickly while growing up and take in different types of medications may not reach the optimal height dictated by their genes because of the stresses imposed on the body.

3. Hormonal influence

The rate of growth of human bones, cartilages, tendons, muscles, and other parts is directly influenced by HGH or Human Growth Hormone, which is secreted by the pituitary, a pea-sized organ deep within the brain. Human Growth Hormone is secreted during sleep. Doctors' advice for children to take naps in the afternoon and get as much as eight hours of sleep at night is partly based on the influence of sleep on HGH secretion.

4. Posture

One of the easiest means of increasing height is to correct stooped posturing. Straightening the spine and maintaining good alignment of the head, neck, and body adds a few essential inches to one's height. A person who maintains a crooked or slouched posture from childhood might have great difficulty in changing his or her attitude. Maintaining a stooped posture while sitting, standing and walking may eventually lead to changes in the muscles and connective tissues. Some of the structures are lengthened and weakened, while others become shortened and tight. Correcting one's posture may be difficult, but it is not impossible. For success in this endeavor, stretching of tight muscles must be performed, as well as strengthening of the weak muscles. Endurance exercises must be added to the repertoire. Good posture not only increases one's height, but boosts a person's self-esteem and confidence, too.

5. Good nutrition

The importance of good nutrition cannot be stressed enough especially during the formative years. The body utilizes essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to build bones, connective tissue, and muscles. Unless a child enjoys balanced meals everyday, he or she is unlikely to reach optimal height. Some of the most essential nutrients for growth are carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, zinc, and Vitamin D.