Young athletes often want to know how to increase height. They want the competitive advantage of being 2 to 3 inches taller - is this possible? The short answer is yes you can get taller, if you do it properly and safely. Here are ten different ways you can increase height; I call these my ‘Growing Taller Secrets’:

One, stimulate your bodys to start to grow taller with the right kind of exercise. Weights and impact exercises like running, jumping, stair climbing and walking are excellent ways to stimulate your bones to grow longer and make you grow taller. Exercise three times a week, and vary your activity from session to session. Healthy bones respond to this stress by getting bigger and stronger. You may think this is advice your gym coach in 6th grade gave you - and it is, because he or she was right.

Two, your diet is also a vital part of your get taller plan. You need foods that are rich in calcium - the stuff bones are made from. Don’t forget leafy green vegetables for the other minerals your body needs to grow bigger, healthy bones. Vitamin K is very important - you get this from eating leafy foods like spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, coleslaw and collard greens. Vitamin K helps your body produce osteocalcin, a protein substance that helps to build bones.

Three- did you know that your body grows during sleep? Getting enough sleep, quality sleep - is one of the best ways to insure your body grows to it’s full potential. Don’t sleep in - get up early, go to bed at a decent hour and don’t eat for at least 2 hours before retiring; you’ll sleep (and build your body’s tissues) better.

Four -don’t smoke - smokers sleep less, don’t get the right diet and smoking blocks the ability of hormones in your body to stimulate gone growth. If you smoke now, quit - if you don’t, don’t start. Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of serious disease, and as your gym teacher told you, it stunts your growth.

Five - supplements can help, particularly if you have trouble eating right. There are numerous choices online and at your local health food store. Be careful taking supplements, and taking too many can put a strain on your kidneys. Don’t take supplements if they interfere with any prescription medications you may be taking. Look for supplements with Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin K and Magnesium.

Disclaimer: This posting is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with health. Nothing herein is intended to be or should be construed to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other medical specialist.