How to Increase Height Naturally? – Yoga and Herbal Supplements

Abstract

These days, it can be very heartfelt that “tall people are more attractive” or that “ tall people make more money” and also that “ tall people are smarter and stronger” but this is not true. The height and growth of a person are generally determined by the genes of the person that he or she has inherited from his father and mother (as the height of a child is considered to be the average height of both of the parents provided there are no bone diseases or hormonal issues ongoing) and his also the release of growth hormones. There can be a lot of variation in heights within the same family as the member of the same family can be shorter than other family members if he/she is having any underlying pathology affecting the height. Childhood traumas, ill habits of food eating, and genetic issues, all contribute towards height and growth. Normal height is variable and it depends from person to person, their race, ethnicity, the place they live in and much more. In this article, we are going to become acquaintances with human height, the factors affecting it, the stigma attached to short height, the modern, ayurvedic and homoeopathic approaches to the treatment and the final conclusion.

Height and Growth

Humans are said to have evolved and can be seen growing faster and taller than their ancestors and are said to be 5 per cent more in height than their ancestors used to be. As it has been observed from the skeletal remains of the human bodies, the human height has been stuck at an average of 170 centimetres over the period of last two thousand years but afterwards, there was a great increase in this average during the modern period. People who could not attain the desired height often followed a stigma known as height discrimination or in simpler words heightism which became the reason for emotional traumas to many due to bullying, wage differences, lack of better jobs, fear of rejection by partners and being considered weak and unattractive as height used to be considered as a factor upon which the richness, the smartness, the strength used to be judged.

The growth period is considered to be at its peak during the foetal development stage i.e. nine months inside the mother’s womb during which its height peaks from 0 to fifty centimetres and becomes slow after birth. After 11 – 13 years, the growth speeds up during puberty the height starts to increase (Pubertal growth spurt) this can be seen more in boys than girls as boy’s average height exceeds 14 centimetres that of girls. The Government has launched many growth charts and other measuring indexes for monitoring the normal growth of the child from birth to different age groups. Children can be observed growing at the rate of 2.5 centimetres every year and those who do not fulfil this criteria are said to be having growth issues.

Causes of Short Height

A child’s height from birth to adolescence is measured during every paediatric checkup visit and calculates child height by using the “mid-parental height formula” i.e. the mean of the height of the parents. A child is said to be having short stature/growth disorder/dwarfism when his/her height is less than the mean for his gender and age by two deviations.

The short stature can be due to

1. Genetics

The increase of height depends upon bone elongation which occurs in growth plates and is regulated by endochondral ossification in which death of chondrocytes and hypertrophy of chondrocytes occurs. The process of endochondral ossification links directly with the genes and if there is a minor defect in the genes of the child it will lead to short stature.

There are multiple conditions in which short stature can be seen like

1. Prader Willi syndrome
2. 3M Syndrome
3. Down Syndrome
4. Turner Syndrome
5. Silver-Russell Syndrome
6. Noonan Syndrome
7. Aarskog Syndrome
8. Williams Syndrome
9. Short stature homeobox gene deficiency

All of these genetic disorders can also be linked to irregular periods, insufficiency in ovaries, and growth support lack.

1. Hereditary

Height and growth of about 80 percent of the people in this world are dependent on the DNA they have inherited from their parents. If the ancestors/grandparents/parents of the newborn child are short then 99.99 percent of it is observed that the child will also grow out to be of short height.

2. Nutrition

During the phase of growth and development, a person’s nutrition plays a huge role in how tall and strong they will grow out to be. Exercising, proper sleeping patterns (as Growth hormone is released during sound sleep) and great immunity contributes largely to height along with a well-balanced nutritional diet. If the diet of the child during growth periods lacks vegetables, fruits and other important components then the child might suffer from defective growth which can lead to short stature. Faulty nutrition during pregnancy can also lead to growth issues later in life.

3. Hormonal Disturbances

There are certain hormonal conditions that affect the height and growth of the child. These can include

• Deficiency in the secretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary (due to pituitary tumours) under the stimulation done on the hypothalamus by growth hormone releasing hormone is one of the major reasons for the short height of people.
• Deficiency of androgen is also considered as a secondary cause of short stature and faulty bone development.
• Hypothyroidism is also considered to be leading to short stature.
• Growth hormone resistance is another cause in which the growth hormone is being secreted normally but the body fails to find the growth hormone leading to conditions like being born small for gestational age, etc.
• Cushing syndrome is also the reason for faulty growth and excessive weight gain in some children as some of the children due to their medical conditions have to take steroids which affect their height.

4. Prakriti

Ayurveda has differentiated individuals into different types on the basis of their prakriti or constitution that gives them their features. This is based on three main constituents known as Vata, Pitta or Kapha.

• Vata prakriti people usually have a good height but if they do not get adequate nutrition then their height can also get stuck.
• Pitta prakriti people are usually of medium height,
• Kapha prakriti people are usually of short height.

5. Chronic Diseases

Disorders of the Gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, kidneys, blood, bone, heart and liver can also lead to short stature due to poor nutrition being provided by these organs as they fail to assimilate all the nutrients properly.

These can include

1. GIT: Coeliac disease, Malabsorption syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, etc
2. Renal System: Nephrotic Syndrome
3. Blood circulatory system: Anaemia, Sickle Cell anaemia
4. Musculoskeletal system: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Rickets, achondroplasia
5. Respiratory system: Asthma, allergies
6. Lifestyle disorders: Diabetes, Obesity
7. Food Allergies: Wheat allergy
8. Collagen production defects lead to defective bone formation.
9. Mitochondrial defects that cause loss of muscle coordination and weakness.
10. Psychosocial short stature that occurs due to emotional stress and deprivation and disturbs growth hormone production.

Types of Short Stature

There are different types of short stories that can be seen based on anthropometric data. These include:-

1. Proportionate short stature: – When overall growth is observed to be restricted but the body of the person is in a good proportion but having some sort of health issue.
2. Disproportionate short stature: – This is considered to be linked to genetic mutations. The individual is short in height but has unusual features like short limbs but a heavy head or vice versa.
3. Variant restricted growth: – This can be seen when the height of the person is less but the person is otherwise healthy. If this pattern is seen in the family of the person also then this can be termed a “ familial short stature”.

Yogas for Increasing Height

Yoga is believed to be providing our body with many mental and physical benefits. The skeletal height of a human is difficult to increase by practising yoga but the overall posture of the person can be improved due to spinal elongation and that can ultimately make you stand tall. There are a few yoga poses that can be performed daily to make the spine elongated and in turn make one look taller.

These include

1. Parvatasana
2. Majariasana
3. Vrikshasana
4. Hasta padasana
5. Tadasana
6. Sukhasana
7. Surya namaskar
8. Shalabhasana
9. Trikonasana
10. Bhushirasana
11. Paschimottanasana

Diagnosis of Short Height

A person is diagnosed with short stature when his/her height is less than the mean for his gender and age by two deviations. This can be diagnosed by assessing the height, weight, limb length, and medical + family history.

A doctor might ask a few questions like

1. History of any disease?
2. Childbirth conditions?
3. Diet?
4. Sleeping patterns?
5. Puberty beginning in both parents?
6. Past and current relatives’ average height?
7. Are there any other symptoms along with short stature?

A doctor can also advise for the following examinations

1. Blood tests to rule out hormonal aetiology and blood cell issues
2. LFTs and RFTs
3. DNA analytical tests for ruling out genetic aetiology
4. Growth hormone defect screening
5. MRI/CT to rule out any lesions or growths
6. X-ray to check for growth plates development

Treatment of Short Height

Treatment of short stature depends upon the underlying pathology. It can include: –

1. Exercising and Yoga

Being active during the growth period plays an important role in how tall a person will be in adult age. Being highly active and doing certain exercises like spot jogging, skipping, pullups, yoga asanas, etc can help a lot in how a person’s height will be in the future. Yoga asanas can even help in improving posture and overall mental health along with increasing height.

2. Correcting nutritional defects

The underlying nutritional deficiencies are also to be corrected as the vitamins and minerals are very important in the growth and stability of bones and ultimately the growth and height. Also, proper nutrition can help the body to stay away from diseases, and being free from disease means good growth.

3. In modern science

Hormonal therapies can be given to the patient to treat the deficiency of hormones (e.g. – thyroid hormone replacement therapy and growth hormone recombinant therapy). Limb lengthening surgeries are also thought of as an option in the cases of hypochondroplasia or achondroplasia.

4. In Homeopathy

The cases in which there are risks of side effects or adverse outcomes, homoeopathy can slowly work best as they have zero to minimal side effects and treat the problem from their root cause. This works along with the immune system and gives permanent results with height increase.

These medications include

1. Baryta carb works best in developments delays, autistic patients, or glandular enlargements,
2. Baryta phos can work best when given post treatment with baryta carb,
3. Silicea works on the connective tissue systems and gives them strength,
4. Symphytum can help the bones by fighting with bone disorders,
5. Thyroidinum can work best in people who have an underlying thyroid disorder as the cause of short height.

In Ayurveda, we have many herbs useful in increasing the height without any side effects such as

1. Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng or winter cherry)

Which is used widely in Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments is considered to be very effective in increasing height as it reduces stress and improves sleep quality which in turn balances hormone release. It also maintains the balance of vitamins and minerals in the body so that release of growth hormones can be insufficient amounts. It also improves bone and muscle quality.

2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Helps to stimulate growth by acting anterior pituitary and stimulating the release of growth hormone-releasing hormone.

3. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari is considered to be a very rich source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients and therefore is very helpful in increasing the height.

4. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Yashtimadhu keeps the body away from all infections and builds strong immunity, and gives strength to muscles and bones, boosting stamina and increasing height.

5. Guggul (Commiphora mukul)

Guggul boosts the metabolism and reduces excess body weight. It acts as the best solution for people suffering from hypothyroidism which is also one of the major reasons for short height

In Ayurveda, there are also various therapies that are considered to be very effective in increasing height.

These include

1. Suvarna Prashan Therapy improves the overall mind and body and stimulates height increase.
2. Rasayana Therapy helps to give strength to all of the tissue in the body, improves vital organs’ functioning, and slows down the ageing process
3. Kaaya Kalpa Therapy gives strength to all motor and sensory organs.

Supplements In The Market For Short Height

Supplements market is full of tremendous amounts of Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic supplements for height growth and is increasing day by day. Many brands small or big are coming forward every day with the launch of their products including height growth supplements.

Below is the list of 10 supplements that are trending over the market for height increase

1. Ashwagandha ghan vati

Ashwagandha ghan vati prepared from the purest extracts of Withania somnifera has the power to keep the immune system strong and keep the body safe from disease which ultimately leads to uninterrupted height growth. It also acts as a great nerve tonic. It also helps in giving a boost to the growth hormones in the body which acts directly on bones and cartilage increasing the height.

2. Vikramprash

Vikramprash is an herbal combination of 46 herbal ingredients like Brahmi, Manjishtha, Bilva, Gokshura, Bhumi amla, Guduchi, and Shatavari in the form of Lehya that provides all the necessary nutrients to the body keeping it away from the diseases and increasing the height. Brahmi regulates the functioning of the anterior pituitary whereas Guduchi and Amalaki along with other ingredients boosts immunity.

3. Coral Calcium Complex

Coral Calcium Complex is a rich source of calcium in the form of capsules that contains calcium from different parts of the world like Jahar Mohra Pishti, Prawal Pishti, Akik Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, and Guduchi which are a very rich source of calcium, acting on bones and making them stronger and denser thereby increasing the height.

4. Energo Plan Syrup

Energo Plan Syrup is a herbal preparation in syrup form containing the extracts of Shigru, Guggul, Pippali, Amalaki, Jeevanti, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha. This combination overall improves health and builds stronger immunity providing strength to the body. This syrup also helps to build an energetic body by contributing to the proper absorption of  nutrients in the body and also helps in cartilage enlargement.

5. Dharmani’s International Long Looks capsules

Dharmani’s International Long Looks capsules are capsules that can be taken by both children and adults. These capsules are prepared from herbal extracts of various herbs and can contribute to increased height when taken along with a regular schedule of physical activity.

6. Afflatus Ayurvedic Height King 60 Capsules

Afflatus Ayurvedic Height King 60 Capsules are for kids and teenagers that along with increasing height are said to be having good effects on digestion also.

7. SBL Rite Hite Tablets

SBL Rite Hite Tablets are a combination of Baryta carbonica, Silicea, Natrum muriaticum, and Calcarea phosphorica. This combination helps with children who have a sluggish metabolism and fail to achieve a desired height. It also improves the assimilation of nutrients and provides nourishment to the body.

8. German’s Height Grow Drops

German’s Height Grow Drops are a combination of Baryta carbonica, Silicea, Calcarea Fluorica, and Calcarea phosphorica. It helps with children who are undernourished or suffering from hypothyroidism. It also makes the assimilation of nutrients faster and better and keeps collagen-producing defects away from the body.

9. Bakson’s Hite Aid Tablet

Bakson’s Hite Aid Tablet is a combination medication of Baryta carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica and silicea that acts on delayed growth cases in children. It also corrects blood deficiency and helps to gain weight.

10. Lord’a Hite Up Tablets

Lord’a Hite Up Tablets is also a combination of Baryta carbonica, Silicea, and Calcarea phosphorica that helps with swollen abdomens that hamper proper nutrient absorption. It also acts on bones and connective tissues.

Conclusion

Being short is not always said to be having disadvantages. It is also having a lot of benefits: the reaction period of short people is high, and they are more agile. Not all short-statured people will require treatment. If the height is short genetically then no means of treatment will be advised. Moral support from family and friends can be of very much importance in fighting the stigma related to height. There are a vast variety of brands that are manufacturing height growth supplements but the side effects are numerous and irreversible sometimes therefore, it is better to stick with natural supplements to increase height so that overall health remains safe. The world has seen a lot of short people who have set examples by becoming successful in their work as mentioned throughout history and will continue to do so.