Does eating a lot of meat increase height?

There's a lot of talk about eating more meat to grow taller, boosting brain development and height. Is this true, and should I feed my child a lot of meat? (Thuy, 40, Hanoi)

Answer:

Meat provides protein and nutrients that, if consumed adequately, are beneficial and essential for bone health, supporting height development and overall body growth. Good protein sources include eggs, poultry, lean meat, and milk. Soybeans and other beans are also rich in protein.

However, eating more meat doesn't necessarily increase height. On the contrary, excessive consumption, especially of red meat, can increase the risk of diseases. Height depends on many factors, including age, sex, genes, and physical activity. There are three crucial growth periods: during pregnancy, from birth to 2 years old, and during puberty. The first 1,000 days, from conception to a child's second birthday, are particularly important. If missed, later interventions are less effective.

Pre-puberty is between 9 and 11 for girls and 12 and 14 for boys; puberty is between 12 and 13 for girls and 15 and 16 for boys. Families should maximize these periods with appropriate nutrition and exercise to promote optimal height growth.

Besides meat, a balanced diet with sufficient energy and a variety of foods from the four food groups is essential: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium from milk, fish, seafood, and green vegetables are also crucial for bone development. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is one way to combat nutrient deficiencies.

Sports like basketball, swimming, running, and jumping rope are effective ways to lengthen the spine and strengthen muscles. Exercise stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormones, further promoting bone development and height.

Moreover, physical activity supports metabolism, improves nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, enhances coordination between organs, and improves reflexes. These benefits contribute to overall health and natural height development.