Height-increasing Fallacies

By Author: Benjamin Au
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There are many fallacies and misconceptions surrounding the issue of whether or not it is possible to grow taller. From exercises to drugs to dietary supplements, there are many suggestions rampantly circulating online and amidst certain crowds. For some, increasing height is a desire so strong they would consider using drugs to achieve any increase at all. Others are willing to put themselves through rigorous exercise routines in the hope of gaining a mere inch in height. Unfortunately, some of these height-increasing techniques are simply flawed in their logic.

What is known about human growth and development is that the "long bones" in your body, such as the femur, tibia and fibula, stop growing at the end of puberty. These bones become "fused" by the growth plates which were once layers of cartilage that absorbed calcium and turned into bone during growth. Once growth as stopped, the "long bones" will get no longer. This usually happens in men around the age of 17 to 21 years of age which is the time when they will have reached their full height.

To suggest that certain drugs, specifically hormones like testosterone, ...
... will make you grow taller, implies that you are considering this method because you are dissatisfied with your full height. Hormones do play a factor in overall growth and development but hormonal drugs would have to be taken in the pubescent years to have any impact on height whatsoever. What is more likely to happen is that the bones would grow thicker in diameter but not in length. The long bones would have to actually grow in length in order to increase height.

For similar reasons, as already explained, height-increasing exercises are a waste of time if the goal is to actually increase height. Chin ups, dangling from a bar and letting "gravity" take its course, and other stretching exercises designed to "lengthen" bones simply doesn't work because, again, after you've reached your full height, the growth plates have fused and your bones are finished growing. Exercise is a great way to maintain bone and muscle health. It should be advocated as way to maintain a healthy body and generally pleasant physique; however, to do only those exercises promising height increase is doing an injustice to your body. Your time would be better spent in a complete, well-balanced strength training and cardiovascular routine.

In extreme cases, surgery is suggested as a way to increase height. The procedure involves surgically breaking those long bones to separate them slightly and then inserting an artificial growth plate in the created gap. The bone would then re-grow around the newly inserted plate, increasing the overall length of the bones. Not only is this an extreme measure, very few doctors of sound mind would perform the surgery without an underlying medical condition.

So if these height-increasing methods are just myths, many too expensive or dangerous to reasonably pursue, why do so many people seek them out? The answer is because height plays a role in overall self image. For those who struggle with their self image and self esteem because they feel shorter than average, they are looking for a way to "fix" what they perceive as a problem. If you struggle with this issue, it's important to realize that you are not alone. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your self image and gain the appearance of added height without spending a fortune and risking dangerous side effects.

By all means, do exercise regularly and eat healthfully. You will feel and look better, and if you are on the shorter side, extra weight can actually detract slightly from what height you do have. The appearance of height comes from long and lean shapes. If you have a lean, fit body and use correct posture, you are automatically perceived as taller.

Additionally, a fashion makeover may be in order. There are several styles that can give the appearance of height, including dark-colored, straight pants without pleats. Wear dark suits that have narrow, vertical pin striping and avoid wide ties with horizontal stripes. You can also wear lift-style shoes, or shoes that are designed to make you appear taller while maintaining the appearance of normal shoes. Some styles can actually increase height up to four inches while still being comfortable to wear.

While there are no magic secrets to increasing height, there are simple steps you can take to make yourself feel better, look better, and generally walk taller. Remember to maintain correct posture, dress for your body type, and keep a slim and toned physique, all of which will improve your appearance regardless of actual height.
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