Human growth is genetically based, but this does not mean that it cannot be influenced. One of the most important growth phases occurs during adolescence. Improper diet, lack of vitamins and physical activity, previous infections and injuries can slow down the formation of the skeleton.
What does growth depend on?
In fact, the growth of a person is registered in his genome and is determined even at the stage of embryo formation. It depends on gender, heredity received from parents, race - the totality of those characteristics that cannot be changed. But this is only an approximate value, which fluctuates depending on external factors that also affect growth. Ecology, nutrition, past illnesses, hormonal disorders, exercise, the functioning of the pituitary gland affect the growth mechanism.
Human growth is provided by somatropic hormone, which helps to stretch the long bones in the limbs. The maximum amount of this hormone is produced during adolescence, so it is considered one of the most important in the formation of the human body. If at this stage the body lacks any substances, or the lifestyle disrupts the production of the hormone, then growth may slow down.
Girls grow most intensively from 10 to 14 years old, boys - from 13 to 18. It is very important during this period not to allow unfavorable factors to influence growth.
Teenage height
Nutrition influences the rate and nature of a teenager's growth. There are foods that promote the production of somatropic hormone, strengthen the skeletal system and make the body stretch. This is any food high in protein - the main building material for the body, dairy products and other stores of calcium - a mineral that makes up bones and teeth, fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamin A, which is involved in the process of skeletal growth. The hormone is also found in cheese, butter, sour cream, some types of fish, liver.
In the diet of a teenager, proteins, fats and carbohydrates should be in a competent ratio, along with other necessary substances and vitamins. Eating junk food rich in so-called empty calories can stunt a child's growth.
Smoking has a huge impact on the growth of a teenager. Nicotine literally stops the action of the somatropic hormone - and the earlier a person starts smoking, the less he will grow by the time he grows up. Alcohol has a less targeted effect on growth, but it can also slow or stop it. Other bad habits are also dangerous, including overeating, even with healthy food.
Any physical activity, whether it be exercising on simulators, running, swimming, has a positive effect on the growth of a teenager. But some exercises are especially helpful: stretching, spinal exercises, hanging on a horizontal bar. A passive lifestyle, spending a lot of time in one position at the computer can affect the development of the spine, which negatively affects growth.
