Many people who were born on the shorter side always wonder: can you increase your height after 18? As it turns out, there are actually a few ways you can increase your height and pretend to appear taller, even after you’ve crossed your teens, when most people reach their final height. While the results of these tactics may not be drastic, it is better than nothing and can give you some very useful tricks. If you’re looking for more ways to increase your height naturally, check out our must-have tips.
First things first: can you really increase your height?
Once final adult height is reached, it is not possible to grow taller, even with exercise and nutrition. This is because the growth plates stop growing at this time. Growth plates exist at the end of long bones and proliferate to add cartilage which is replaced by bone tissue to add height. Even so, some people grow to be taller than the average person and others continue to grow into their 20s or so.
Factors Determining Height
Genes: 80% of your height is determined by DNA, according to the findings of Genetic Home Research. About 50 specific genes play a role in determining your height and growth. Gene mutations can also make it difficult to grow.
Hormones: Hormones that affect your final height include: growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
Puberty: Although everyone hits puberty at a different age, it’s usually between the ages of 11 and 12 for boys and between the ages of 9 and 10 for girls. This growth occurs in two phases: first, the growth acceleration phase and then the deceleration phase. Growth continues throughout puberty when tweens reach their height peak velocity phase. For boys, the average age is 13.5 years and for girls, 11.5 years.
How diet and exercise affect growth
What you eat during your growing age, along with physical activity, can help determine your height. When adequate nutrition is not provided, nutritional growth retardation can occur. This is a condition in which cells begin to compensate for a lack of nutrients with slow growth. Nutrition during pregnancy can also have an effect on height. Nutrients like iron, iodine, calcium, and folic acid can also help promote a taller adult height. While exercising helps promote better bone density and height, excessive exercise can actually slow growth due to the stress it causes.
Hacks to help you appear taller
Wear heels: If heels are uncomfortable for you, opt for a thick platform boot or a heel with a more stable surface.
Toning Up: Toned limbs look longer, which fakes the appearance of more height. Pilates can be helpful with this.
Wear dresses that don’t cut your figure: Super short dresses can make you look shorter than you really are, especially if you have a curvaceous body type. Instead, opt for below-the-knee, tapered, or bodycon dresses and skirts. Pencil skirts are also flattering.
A High Ponytail or Bun – Ariana Grande’s Foolproof Secret to Looking Taller Both a high bun and a ponytail can help add the look of inches.
Use vertical stripes: Horizontal stripes are the fastest way to make you look shorter. Instead, always go for vertical stripes, which will elongate your body.
High-waisted jeans: Tucking a shirt into high-waisted jeans can make you look taller by creating the illusion of a shorter torso and longer legs.
Color Block Clothing: Color block leggings and dresses can help make your body look slimmer and taller.
Important facts to know:
1. Nutrition before the age of 18: Eating healthy and consuming nutrients such as calcium, folic acid and iron can also help.
2. Exercise – Before and after reaching your ultimate health, exercise can help you build lean muscle and healthier bones. Some exercises like yoga and Pilates can help align and lengthen the body, creating the appearance of being taller and even adding 1/4 inch, according to some people.
3. Lifestyle Change – If you are not active, keep in mind that proper activity is the key to growing tall and healthy, as well as staying disease-free. De-stressing, at least seven hours of sleep, and self-care are also key.
3. Lifestyle Change – If you are not active, keep in mind that proper activity is the key to growing tall and healthy, as well as staying disease-free. De-stressing, at least seven hours of sleep, and self-care are also key.
4. Accept yourself: if you still have time to increase your height, there is no reason to give up. But if you’re fully grown, don’t spend all your time and energy just getting taller. Your height should not define how you see yourself.
5. Taller Isn’t Always Better: Peter Dinklage is proof of this: You can be short and still command a room when you walk in. Plus, short people like Jacob Matlala, Ariana Grande, and Kate Moss prove that short can be beautiful. . You will most likely meet a short person who is full of confidence and exudes attractive energy. Channel that energy into your own life!
