From the Guidelines
At 17, height increase is still possible as growth plates may not have fully closed, and focusing on proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise can help maximize growth potential. To increase height, it's essential to focus on overall health and development. Proper nutrition with adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D from foods like dairy, lean meats, and leafy greens is crucial 1. Aim for 8-10 hours of quality sleep nightly, as growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep. Regular exercise, particularly activities that involve stretching like swimming, basketball, or yoga, can help maximize growth potential. Maintain good posture to appear taller and prevent compression of the spine.
While genetics largely determines your maximum height, these factors can help you reach your full potential. If concerned about stunted growth, consult a doctor who might recommend blood tests to check growth hormone levels or bone age X-rays 1. Medical interventions like growth hormone therapy are only prescribed for specific medical conditions, such as growth hormone deficiency, and require a doctor's evaluation 1. It's also important to note that iron requirements are higher during adolescence, particularly for female adolescents, to compensate for iron losses due to menstrual bleeding 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Focus on overall health and development rather than just height
- Proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise are essential for maximizing growth potential
- Maintain good posture to appear taller and prevent compression of the spine
- Consult a doctor if concerned about stunted growth or to discuss medical interventions like growth hormone therapy
- Accept that much of your height is predetermined by genetics, and focus on overall health rather than just height.
From the Research
Increasing Height at 17 Years Old
To increase height at 17 years old, several factors and methods can be considered:
- Growth Hormone Treatment: Studies such as 2 have shown that growth hormone treatment can significantly increase adult height in children with idiopathic short stature. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for a 17-year-old would depend on various factors, including the individual's growth potential and medical history.
- Dietary Patterns: Research like 3 suggests that dietary patterns, particularly a prudent diet rich in fruits and vegetables, may have an impact on adult height and healthy aging. Although this study does not directly address increasing height at 17, maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall health and development.
- Calcium Intake: 4 indicates that adequate calcium intake is crucial for linear growth, especially during adolescence. Ensuring sufficient calcium consumption might support growth, although the direct impact on a 17-year-old's height is not explicitly stated.
- Micronutrient Supplementation: 5 shows that micronutrient supplementation, including calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and multivitamins, can improve height velocity in underprivileged girls. This suggests that nutritional supplements might be beneficial for growth, but individual results may vary and depend on the specific nutritional deficiencies and health status.
Considerations
When considering methods to increase height at 17 years old, it's essential to:
- Consult healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate and safe approaches based on individual health and growth potential.
- Understand that genetic factors play a significant role in determining adult height, and some methods may have limited effectiveness.
- Focus on overall health and wellness, as a balanced lifestyle supports optimal growth and development.