First, however, let's discuss how our bodies grow in the first place. Our bones play an essential role in this. Did you know that infants have many more bones than they do when they're adults? This is because much of their skeleton consists of cartilage. As they grow, the cartilage gradually fuses and melds and hardens to form adult bones. This is why we have considerably less bones than babies do.

While we're in puberty, cartilage growth plates play a huge role in our growth spurts. Throughout puberty, they lengthen gradually. Once we reach adulthood, however, no amount of stretching or exercises will lengthen them again. Any exercise program that claims to be able to do this is wasting your time and your money.

In extreme cases, some resort to bone lengthening surgery to grow taller. Unfortunately, this surgery is very risky in lots of ways. Not only is it difficult to even find a doctor that's qualified to do this, but the complications afterward can make life very difficult indeed.

The surgery involves your bones being broken. Then metal plates are installed so that there is a gap between the broken bones. Gradually, the bones grow back together, resulting in increased height. However, oftentimes the place where the bones grew together is very weak. Breaks are very common. You risk nerve damage, paralysis, and even death by undergoing this surgery.

However, there are lots of alternative methods in how to get taller. Having a good diet and exercise can be wildly effective in getting taller and staying taller. When you're young, it's extremely important that you exercise regularly and have a diet rich in calcium, protein, amino acids, and other nutrients so that your body has the energy it needs to grow and replenish itself. Failing to do this can result in stunted growth. Similarly, continuing to neglect your body in this manner can result in weakened bones and even shrinkage when you become elderly.