Experiencing how others look down on you, in the most literal sense, can make anyone feel uncomfortable. And over time, this can do a number on your self-esteem. But you don’t have to be stuck, not looking as tall as you want, only because you’re way past puberty.
Even though the skeleton finishes most growth when you turn twenty, few people reach their genetic potential for height fully. You can tap into this hidden potential and start looking as tall as it really allows. Here’s how.
Fix Your Bad Posture: The Root of Your Height Issues
Your spinal column is a major contributor to how to grow taller. Yet, by failing to maintain its proper alignment, you make yourself appear shorter than you are.
By altering the biomechanics of your spine, bad posture makes it less capable of dealing with compressive forces. Unable to handle excessive compression, your intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies deform, making inches permanently disappear from your height.
To fix poor posture, watch out for these bad habits:
- Hunched back Straighten your upper back as if someone is trying to pull your head up.
- Rounded shoulders Bring your shoulders back, keep them down, and relax them.
- Forward head Tuck your chin, move your head backwards, and align your ears with the middle of your shoulders.
- Complacency Stay mindful when you’re working at the computer, checking your phone, driving, standing, or sitting for long periods of time.
Exercise More: But in a Way that Helps Your Posture
Movement is essential to good posture. But some types of exercise, such as running and certain weightlifting movements, contribute to spinal compression. To exercise in a posture-friendly way, make sure to:
- Stretch the tight muscles When some muscles become tight, they tend to contribute to poor posture. They are: pectoralis minor and major, latissimus dorsi, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, rectus abdominis, and hip flexors. Make it a point to stretch them regularly.
- Strengthen the key areas Other muscles support good posture but are often weak. They include: rhomboids, middle and lower trapezius, rear delts, rotator cuff, erector spinae, glutes, and deep core muscles. Train these muscles to keep them strong.
Adjust Your Diet: And Let It Support Your Height
Your diet can either make or break your other efforts. To bring it on board, make sure to:
- Minimize caffeine and sugar intake Both are notorious for robbing you of the micronutrients that support your height, such as calcium and magnesium.
- Eat foods that make you tall Leafy greens, celery, cruciferous vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese provide your skeletal system with what it needs.
- Drink plenty of clean water Proper hydration nurtures your joints, helping them stay lubricated and resist degeneration.
Looking Taller After Puberty: Being Consistent Is Key
Important changes take time. And making the most of your genetic height potential won’t happen overnight. Be consistent with the above advice, and it will work with time.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
