Top Complete List of The Best Healthy Foods To Help Children Grow Taller

Look to these edibles to provide proper nutrition to your child for optimal growth!

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While we cannot do much about genes, we can ensure to provide proper nutrition to kids to facilitate their growth. In this article, we have listed foods that can aid the overall physical development of your kid, may stimulate the production of the growth hormone, and aid bone growth.

Genetics determines 75% of the height of an andividual. However, as per studies environmental factors (like nutrition and life style) may also influence the height of an individual in their growing years. Intake of foods that help kids grow taller may provide the much-needed boost to their growth.

Height & Diet – How Are They Related!

Height is a non-modifiable factor, and the height of a child is mostly dependent on the parents’ height. If both the parents are tall, the child is likely to be tall.

Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital, says, “Kids can get taller naturally by consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D.”

Children tend to grow in spurts and have a slightly increased growth rate between 6-9 years. About 25% of growth in height occurs during puberty. Two hormones contribute to this – the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and insulin-Like growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which determine longitudinal bone growth and maintain bone mass. While there are no foods that increase height rapidly, they may help stimulate the production of the growth hormone and aid in bone growth.

Austin Wayne, a You Tuber, attributes his successful height gain journey to a healthy diet that incorporates foods such as grass-fed milk, organic butter, low glycemic fruits, and intermittent fasting. In one of his personal vlogs, he notes, “From the ages of about 17 to 18, I grew from 5’9 to 6’4 in about a year. “He continues, “if you are committed to not just height growth but your overall health, you will have to invest in your body. You’re going to have to buy natural, organic, healthy, raw foods.

The Best Foods To Help Children Grow Taller!

1. Yogurt

Yogurt
Yogurt

Yogurt is nutrient-dense and a good source of protein, calcium, Vitamin D, andzinc. A study suggested a positive correlation between probiotic intake and growth and the development of undernourished children. However, more research is needed to establish this. If your kids are not fans of yogurt, get them to eat cheese instead as it is rich in proteins, calcium, and Vitamin D.

2. Mixed Nuts

Mix Nuts:
Mix Nuts:

Nuts are powerhouses of nutrients and contain vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and proteins. The omega-3 fatty acids present in nuts are beneficial for bone health and turnover. The proteins in nuts are also vital for the growth of your kid. Include nuts (15-g) as a snack or add them to cereals. You can powder nuts and add them to porridges.

Note: If your kid has nut allergy or intolerance, check with a pediatrician before introducing any new foods.

3. Pulses and Beans 

Pulses and Beans 
Pulses and Beans

Pulses and beans are excellent sources of protein but have a limiting amount of amino acids. If combined with cereals, in the form of khichdy or any other dish, they aid good digestion as well as proper growth.

4. Almonds

Almonds
Almonds

Almonds are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that are vital for bone health and development and may help kids grow taller. Research shows that consuming almonds may help prevent the growth of osteoclasts (body cells that destroy bone tissue), thus aiding bone health. This suggests that it may indirectly aid growth by keeping the bones growing until they reach their maximum growth potential. However, relying solely on almonds to increase your height is not recommended.

While scientific evidence is limited to support the claim that almonds or any other specific food may increase the height of kids, a balanced diet, filled with healthy food like almonds, may provide the necessary nutrients for overall health and well-being, ensuring that individuals reach their maximum height potential based on their genetic predisposition.

5. Eggs

Eggs
Eggs

Eggs are incredible sources of protein, riboflavini, biotin, and iron. Protein helps in cell growth and development. A study showed that malnourished children who were fed with a high-protein diet over a period developed more height compared the those who were fed with standard protein.

Egg white is a concentrated source of  protein. Make sure to include eggs almost every day in your child’s meal. Having a yummy omelet or a boiled egg for breakfast is a great way to start their day and ensure they get proteins. However, check for any allergic symptoms using the 3-7 days trial rule.

6. Dairy and Dairy Products

Dairy and Dairy Products
Dairy and Dairy Products

Milk contains calsium and protein, which aid the growth of bones and also develop strength. Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, curd, and cottage cheese are abundant in calcium and vitamins, which are important for bone mineralization in children. Get your kids to drink milk every day or make dishes that are filled with the goodness of milk.

Note: If your child has lactose intolerance, replace cow’s or buffalo’s milk with any plant-derived milk after consulting with a pediatrician.

7. Soybeans

Soybeans
Soybeans

Soybeans are rich in proteins. While they are likely to be useful in improving optimal bone health, the mechanisms are still not clear. You can create many yummy dishes with soybeans that your kids will relish.

8. Chicken

Chicken
Chicken

Poultry meat is a good source of protein, along with B vitamins, (mainly thiamini, vitamins B6, and pantothenic acidi). Studies on the physical growth of young children belonging to low-income groups show that good quality animal protein is required to accelerate growth and development. You can try out different recipes that include chicken to improve the protein intake of your child.

9. Carrots

Carrots
Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotenei, which is converted by the body into vitamin A. Adding raw carrots to the diet helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently, which influences bone resorption and keeps them healthy. Add raw carrots to salads or make fresh carrot juice for your kids.

10. Fruits

Fruits
Fruits

Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, essential micronutrients that boost immunity and accelerate growth and development. Make it a habit to give your child 1-2 servings of fruit daily. You can also add them to cereals to make them colorful and tasty. Include different varieties of fruits every day to meet the daily requirements.

Jesse says, “Although bananas are healthy, they only contain a small amount of magnesium that can contribute to an increase in height. However, they should still be part of a healthy diet of enjoyed.”

11. Whole Grains

Whole Grains
Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in vitamin B, magnesium, selnium, zinc, and iron and contain a small amount of calsium. All these minerals are essential for bone growth and mineralization. You can give your kids whole-grain bread and pasta as well as cereals.

Others Tips To Follow!

  • Make regular exercise a part of the daily routine of your child. Exercises like swimming and spot jumping and yoga poses, like the Surya Namaskar, can help lengthen the spine.
  • Encourage your child to play games like basketball or volleyball. Continuouse running in these sports stimulates the brain center to secrete the growth hormone (GH), a positive response to facilitate somatic growth. Playing during early morning or evening helps your body absorb sunlight, which is important for bone growth.
  • Proper sleep is very important to stimulate growth and development. A study showed that sleeping at night for longer helped to stimulate the secretion of the growth hormone, (GH). Establish a disciplined waking-sleeping routine to aid your child’s physical development.

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