| MadSci Network: Other |
Hi Wu,
A person's height is determined by a variety of factors both genetic and environmental. Though your genes may predispose you to a certain range of 'height' other factors in the process of development clearly play a role. For bones to grow, your body needs adequate intake of nutrients including proteins and other factors such as calcium, iron, vitamin D and vitamin B. Regardless of your genetic background, malnutrition will definitely keep you from becoming your tallest. Canada's food guide tips for children and the Nutrition Home Page can provide you with further information about eating and staying healthy.
Exercise can clearly play a role in how tall you become. Physical activity causes the body to release a factor known as human growth hormone. This hormone is directly involved in the growth of bones into the late teens and early 20s. Playing soccer, swimming, and other general forms of activity can increase the body's production of this hormone. While stretching your muscles keeps you limber, and will certainly make physical activity easier, I am not aware of any evidence that it directly causes your bones to grow.
I hope that I have adequately answered your questions.
-Nick