maximize growth potential for a 15 yr old

kevinbahnz · 08-06-2012, 11:16 AM

any advice or proven science that will help my 15 year old son grow taller. I am 5'4"(5'5" on my good days)148lbs his mom is about the same height and he is about 5'6" 158lbs. He's pretty lazy sleeps late wakes up late afternoon but when he goes to the YMCA he stays there for a good 3-4 hours playing basketball and lifting weights(no heavy lifting and no squats). Any tips on food and supplements that promote growth that are safe for his age.? Can I spike his food with HGH , Just kidding

BrokenVert · 08-06-2012, 11:23 AM

Proper nutrition and a healthy dose of vitamins.

He cant grow if he doesnt have the chemicals and nutrients that his body needs.

and if that doesnt work theres always...

jwickers · 08-06-2012, 12:01 PM

I was confused for a moment because of the green giant pic, pictured your family as green giants who have to grow taller as they compete for sunlight i guess ...

RambleJ · 08-06-2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinbahnz

any advice or proven science that will help my 15 year old son grow taller. I am 5'4"(5'5" on my good days)148lbs his mom is about the same height and he is about 5'6" 158lbs. He's pretty lazy sleeps late wakes up late afternoon but when he goes to the YMCA he stays there for a good 3-4 hours playing basketball and lifting weights(no heavy lifting and no squats). Any tips on food and supplements that promote growth that are safe for his age.? Can I spike his food with HGH , Just kidding

Genetics play a huge role in this and it sounds like he got the short end of the stick

I would consult a doc about this. I know you said it jokingly, but if administered correctly and early enough HGH can actually help a child grow past their pre detemined genetic height.

sdshah · 08-06-2012, 03:57 PM

vitamin D milk can also help alot with growth especially during the growing period.

kevinbahnz · 08-06-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RambleJ

Genetics play a huge role in this and it sounds like he got the short end of the stick

I would consult a doc about this. I know you said it jokingly, but if administered correctly and early enough HGH can actually help a child grow past their pre detemined genetic height.

that hurts...lolz

BrokenVert · 08-06-2012, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinbahnz

that hurts...lolz

Im 5' 9" with a wide build - every male in my family on both my mother's and father's sides is between 5'7" and 5'10" with a wide build.

I had no hope in not being that.

hasta la pasta 27 · 08-09-2012, 02:38 PM

Short answer.....No. Unless you manipulate the genetic structure. I am 5'5", more or less, 182lbs as lunch time. My mom is 4'11" and my dad is 5'6" so i fell right there. Unfortunately, the only way would be to fill him up with proper nutrients, proteins, and milk. Proper nutrition is crucial for growth. 5'6" 158 is not that bad but if you say he is lazy then is mostly body fat. Right now, @ 15 years old, if he begins working out then he will tone up and bulk really quick because his testosterone is kicking like bull. Maybe try taking to him to the gym with you? He is able to do weight lifting, it does not necessarily stunt your growth. As far as anything leg related, less weight and higher reps would be better to avoid injury at his age. As far as anything else goes, he is good to go but needs proper training as far as fundamentals go. My dad never pushed me....i lied, he did push me away and was never there but i have been lifting since 16.

Now as far as sleeping and laziness; there are many reasons for this but the most relevant is the fact that his body says "ok, sleep all day and play games all night!". Your body has an internal clock that needs to be reset. He needs to get into the habit of waking up early and STAYING up. In order to stay up, he needs a good breakfast. For the long run, cereal is terrible to have for breakfast....its a sugar rush followed by a crash. Make him 2 pieces of toast with eggs and milk along with some kids multivitamins (maybe chewables but not the mens vitacrave because they are hard as FU*K to chew). You get proteins, carbs, and plenty of vitamins.

P.S. "SOME" studies have shown soy protein to causes estrogenic affects so watch that.

Put it this way, imagine the second you start your car, you put it in drive and start going.....It causes premature wear...well same thing goes for the body, unless you get you body started properly and prep it then it will not last long.

Someone correct me if i made a mistake somewhere

will-w · 08-09-2012, 03:16 PM

It can't all be down to genetics, my mum is 5'5 (size 5 shoes), my dad was 5'9 (size 9 shoes) and yet I'm 6'1 and have size 12/13 shoes...

And no I'm not the milkman's

The only thing different is at the age of 11 we realised I was lactose and gluten intolerant so I cut all dairy out of my diet, I replaced this with soya alternatives until I was 23.

hasta la pasta 27 · 08-09-2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will-w

It can't all be down to genetics, my mum is 5'5 (size 5 shoes), my dad was 5'9 (size 9 shoes) and yet I'm 6'1 and have size 12/13 shoes...

And no I'm not the milkman's

The only thing different is at the age of 11 we realized I was lactose and gluten intolerant so I cut all dairy out of my diet, I replaced this with soya alternatives until I was 23.

someone in your family must have been taller. Dont get me wrong, i have some friends that when they stand next to they're family, they look like the landlord for the keebler elves

will-w · 08-09-2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericruiz911

someone in your family must have been taller. Dont get me wrong, i have some friends that when they stand next to they're family, they look like the landlord for the keebler elves

Nope, they've all been short to average on both sides, I'm also very broad where as my family are all quite thin.

I don't know a lot about my father's great grandparents and older in the lines on that side, all I know is his dad's family were German and his mum's family were Italian/Maltese.. Guess it could have come from them

Draven · 08-09-2012, 04:10 PM

Genetics plays most of the role in height. You can only adversely affect it with either too much working out too early, or not supporting it with nutrition. His body will have a growth period, and if he's supplied with all the proper nutrients to promote that growth, he'll grow. If he isn't, he won't.

My father is 6'3", my mother is 4'11", I'm 5'3". Most of my features come from my father, with a select few from my mother. I spent my youth playing 4 leagues of soccer, paintball, and otherwise running and biking all the time. I didn't eat right at all (father wasn't in the picture, and my mother's idea of feeding me was apples and pop tarts). Needless to say, I didn't have the right kinds of foods. Doctor said for my build, I should be at least 5'8", but I likely stunted my growth with being too active and not eating right. Oh well.

Keep him well fed with good nutritious balance and you'll be good.

kevinbahnz · 08-09-2012, 05:26 PM

thanks for the responses everyone, Any specific foods that will boost his growth? will any multi vitamin work just fine or does he need to bulk up on vitamin D. But what I really want to know more about is HGH if anyone is on it and what do they think of it.

Draven · 08-09-2012, 11:05 PM

I know you want the best for your kid, but I can already tell you have a bigger issue with your height than he does just based on your "I'm 5'4, 5'5" on a good day".

HGH is unlikely to make him taller, it's going to promote muscle development that will require his body to intake even more nutrients to support the added muscle. Couple that with potential liver issues with long term HGH use, and you're on the road to early liver failure.

Feed him good nutritious food, give him a complete daily multivitamin for someone his age, and let nature take over the rest. Don't pump him full of steroids and other enhancers because you're insecure about your height.

loveskiing · 08-29-2012, 12:30 AM

I would ditto most of the comments that you received from the other posters.
In my humble opinion HGH is to avoided at all costs.
Getting proper rest, eating mostly FRESH local organic foods, lots of exercise and avoiding the usual "nons" (drugs, alcohol etc.) would help him more than anything.
Most teens don't need multi vitamins if they are getting them from their nutritious diet.
Finally, if you are really concerned, consult your son's health care provider for additional recommendations.

fercho · 08-29-2012, 01:54 AM

by eating right and lots of exercise he will grow right. i am 5'6 my father is 5'6 my mom is 5'5 my olders sister is 5'0 and my youngest brother is 6'3 he is very active and always eating , so I think genetics don't always apply.

RambleJ · 08-29-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fercho

by eating right and lots of exercise he will grow right. i am 5'6 my father is 5'6 my mom is 5'5 my olders sister is 5'0 and my youngest brother is 6'3 he is very active and always eating , so I think genetics don't always apply.

So your brother is 9 inches taller than his father? If your grandparents are short too, he is the son of the mailman or he has overactive putuitary glands, feeding his body above the normal amount of growth hormone.

And to all the people spouting misinformation about HGH, if done properly and under physician supervision there are little to no risks. And HGH has little to no liver toxicity. So again, misinformation. Body builders who overdose HGH at 10+iu's a day get organ growth. But for a childs for overall growth a doc will probably prescribe .5 ius every other day if that and allow the child to surpass his genetic path.

dr.mba · 08-29-2012, 10:58 AM

Kevinbahnz,
I just read this thread now. I sort of agree with some of the things that were said in this thread so far. I am a physician so what I will be saying is probably some of the closest you will get to the truth. HGH will make any human being grow given the growth plates have not fused yet. What that means is that you need to go visit a pediatrician and ask about this issue and see if they are willing to xray your sons wrists and ankles. If the growth plates have fused the only thing HGH is going to do is make your boy grow heavier in weight and bulk up in muscle if he is exercising. Genetics play the majority of our predetermined height but not 100%. Environmentally a high protein diet promotes growth as well as long nights (by stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete HGH) such as in the arctics. The short of this is to go consult with a pediatric endocrinologist as they would be the right person to talk to. My humble 2 cents. I hope this is helpful.

MBA

RambleJ · 09-02-2012, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr.mba

Kevinbahnz,
I just read this thread now. I sort of agree with some of the things that were said in this thread so far. I am a physician so what I will be saying is probably some of the closest you will get to the truth. HGH will make any human being grow given the growth plates have not fused yet. What that means is that you need to go visit a pediatrician and ask about this issue and see if they are willing to xray your sons wrists and ankles. If the growth plates have fused the only thing HGH is going to do is make your boy grow heavier in weight and bulk up in muscle if he is exercising. Genetics play the majority of our predetermined height but not 100%. Environmentally a high protein diet promotes growth as well as long nights (by stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete HGH) such as in the arctics. The short of this is to go consult with a pediatric endocrinologist as they would be the right person to talk to. My humble 2 cents. I hope this is helpful.

MBA

Finally another educated individual on the subject!

01'325rip · 10-05-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinbahnz

thanks for the responses everyone, Any specific foods that will boost his growth? will any multi vitamin work just fine or does he need to bulk up on vitamin D. But what I really want to know more about is HGH if anyone is on it and what do they think of it.

I would not recommend it.

Especially if he does not need it. Just my opinion though.

Exite · 10-09-2012, 02:48 AM

Honestly man just make sure he eats healthy and is active. I'm 6'3" and I didn't get that way doing anything special. It is just how I was supposed to be. Just keep away from fast food and stay away from heavily processed foods and he will grow up like his genes say he will.

If he has a health condition then talk to a doctor. If a doctor gives him hgh it will probably be to make him grow like he should have not to grow larger than he was supposed to.

I'm not a M.D. or anything so I could be pulling this from my behind but I don't see hgh as being good for a young growing boy. Does hgh cause the heart and other supporting organs to grow larger as well; I have no idea. Say he does grow 3" more than he would have otherwise can his heart now take it? Or will he always be under the threat of heart disease like those basketball players with growths on their pituitary glands? Just some stuff to think about.

Twisted Six · 10-09-2012, 12:24 PM

My brother and I may be a glitch in the algorithm of life here, but he is 6'6" and I am 6'1". Our parents are 5'7" & 5'5".

My folks made us work everyday hard and eat at specific times with rarely EVER seeing sweets aside from fruits. Read no candy or ice-cream.

We were swimmers,martial artists,hikers and the like.I raced BMX, he road raced 10 speeds.

We arose each morning at 5am and went to bed at 9pm.Exhausted.Lots of green vegetables etc. No fast foods. We had some lakeside land that we cleared and developed for a cabin during our growth period and were lifting heavy tree trunks and concrete blocks etc.

We are in our early 50's now and stronger than we were in our 20's with no health issues.

My parents are plagued with health issues , probably due to smoking and inactivity.

If genetics do play a role....we dodged that short ranged bullet whether activity played a role or not....who knows ?

08-06-2012, 11:16 AM	#1
kevinbahnz Captain 159 Rep 709 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi sedan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ma-NC iTrader: (1)	maximize growth potential for a 15 yr old any advice or proven science that will help my 15 year old son grow taller. I am 5'4"(5'5" on my good days)148lbs his mom is about the same height and he is about 5'6" 158lbs. He's pretty lazy sleeps late wakes up late afternoon but when he goes to the YMCA he stays there for a good 3-4 hours playing basketball and lifting weights(no heavy lifting and no squats). Any tips on food and supplements that promote growth that are safe for his age.? Can I spike his food with HGH , Just kidding __________________
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08-06-2012, 11:23 AM	#2
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 485 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	Proper nutrition and a healthy dose of vitamins. He cant grow if he doesnt have the chemicals and nutrients that his body needs. and if that doesnt work theres always... __________________
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08-06-2012, 12:01 PM	#3
jwickers Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 243 Posts Drives: 328i GT Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Shanghai - China iTrader: (0)	I was confused for a moment because of the green giant pic, pictured your family as green giants who have to grow taller as they compete for sunlight i guess ...
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08-06-2012, 03:57 PM	#5
sdshah Banned 850 Rep 1,386 Posts Drives: F85 \| Panamera GTS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	vitamin D milk can also help alot with growth especially during the growing period.
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08-09-2012, 02:38 PM	#8
hasta la pasta 27 Captain 46 Rep 674 Posts Drives: 2014 Chevy Silverado Join Date: May 2012 Location: MIAMI, FL iTrader: (1)	Short answer.....No. Unless you manipulate the genetic structure. I am 5'5", more or less, 182lbs as lunch time. My mom is 4'11" and my dad is 5'6" so i fell right there. Unfortunately, the only way would be to fill him up with proper nutrients, proteins, and milk. Proper nutrition is crucial for growth. 5'6" 158 is not that bad but if you say he is lazy then is mostly body fat. Right now, @ 15 years old, if he begins working out then he will tone up and bulk really quick because his testosterone is kicking like bull. Maybe try taking to him to the gym with you? He is able to do weight lifting, it does not necessarily stunt your growth. As far as anything leg related, less weight and higher reps would be better to avoid injury at his age. As far as anything else goes, he is good to go but needs proper training as far as fundamentals go. My dad never pushed me....i lied, he did push me away and was never there but i have been lifting since 16. Now as far as sleeping and laziness; there are many reasons for this but the most relevant is the fact that his body says "ok, sleep all day and play games all night!". Your body has an internal clock that needs to be reset. He needs to get into the habit of waking up early and STAYING up. In order to stay up, he needs a good breakfast. For the long run, cereal is terrible to have for breakfast....its a sugar rush followed by a crash. Make him 2 pieces of toast with eggs and milk along with some kids multivitamins (maybe chewables but not the mens vitacrave because they are hard as FUK to chew). You get proteins, carbs, and plenty of vitamins. P.S. "SOME" studies have shown soy protein to causes estrogenic affects so watch that. Put it this way, imagine the second you start your car, you put it in drive and start going.....It causes premature wear...well same thing goes for the body, unless you get you body started properly and prep it then it will not last long. Someone correct me if i made a mistake somewhere Last edited by hasta la pasta 27; 08-09-2012 at 03:23 PM..*
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08-09-2012, 03:16 PM	#9
will-w 'Captain Slow' 6 Rep 164 Posts Drives: F20 118d M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Kent, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 F20 M Sport [10.00]	It can't all be down to genetics, my mum is 5'5 (size 5 shoes), my dad was 5'9 (size 9 shoes) and yet I'm 6'1 and have size 12/13 shoes... And no I'm not the milkman's The only thing different is at the age of 11 we realised I was lactose and gluten intolerant so I cut all dairy out of my diet, I replaced this with soya alternatives until I was 23.
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08-09-2012, 04:10 PM	#12
Draven C7Z - Darkside 50 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '18 Z06 M7 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Merrimack, NH iTrader: (0)	Genetics plays most of the role in height. You can only adversely affect it with either too much working out too early, or not supporting it with nutrition. His body will have a growth period, and if he's supplied with all the proper nutrients to promote that growth, he'll grow. If he isn't, he won't. My father is 6'3", my mother is 4'11", I'm 5'3". Most of my features come from my father, with a select few from my mother. I spent my youth playing 4 leagues of soccer, paintball, and otherwise running and biking all the time. I didn't eat right at all (father wasn't in the picture, and my mother's idea of feeding me was apples and pop tarts). Needless to say, I didn't have the right kinds of foods. Doctor said for my build, I should be at least 5'8", but I likely stunted my growth with being too active and not eating right. Oh well. Keep him well fed with good nutritious balance and you'll be good.
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08-09-2012, 05:26 PM	#13
kevinbahnz Captain 159 Rep 709 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi sedan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ma-NC iTrader: (1)	thanks for the responses everyone, Any specific foods that will boost his growth? will any multi vitamin work just fine or does he need to bulk up on vitamin D. But what I really want to know more about is HGH if anyone is on it and what do they think of it. __________________
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08-09-2012, 11:05 PM	#14
Draven C7Z - Darkside 50 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '18 Z06 M7 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Merrimack, NH iTrader: (0)	I know you want the best for your kid, but I can already tell you have a bigger issue with your height than he does just based on your "I'm 5'4, 5'5" on a good day". HGH is unlikely to make him taller, it's going to promote muscle development that will require his body to intake even more nutrients to support the added muscle. Couple that with potential liver issues with long term HGH use, and you're on the road to early liver failure. Feed him good nutritious food, give him a complete daily multivitamin for someone his age, and let nature take over the rest. Don't pump him full of steroids and other enhancers because you're insecure about your height.
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08-29-2012, 12:30 AM	#15
loveskiing Lieutenant Colonel 971 Rep 1,612 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E90 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	I would ditto most of the comments that you received from the other posters. In my humble opinion HGH is to avoided at all costs. Getting proper rest, eating mostly FRESH local organic foods, lots of exercise and avoiding the usual "nons" (drugs, alcohol etc.) would help him more than anything. Most teens don't need multi vitamins if they are getting them from their nutritious diet. Finally, if you are really concerned, consult your son's health care provider for additional recommendations.
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08-29-2012, 01:54 AM	#16
fercho Lieutenant 29 Rep 518 Posts Drives: 2005 z4 2.5 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (2)	by eating right and lots of exercise he will grow right. i am 5'6 my father is 5'6 my mom is 5'5 my olders sister is 5'0 and my youngest brother is 6'3 he is very active and always eating , so I think genetics don't always apply. __________________ 2005 z4 2.5i/// Aero front bumper, m rear bumper,08 rear lights, custom quad exhaust, matte black front grill, OEM alarm, llumar security film,m wheels, HID lights, LED interior and trunk light,Ipod integration, stubby antenna,tein s-tech springsx
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08-29-2012, 10:58 AM	#18
dr.mba Captain 278 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 2017 F. Grey M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Kevinbahnz, I just read this thread now. I sort of agree with some of the things that were said in this thread so far. I am a physician so what I will be saying is probably some of the closest you will get to the truth. HGH will make any human being grow given the growth plates have not fused yet. What that means is that you need to go visit a pediatrician and ask about this issue and see if they are willing to xray your sons wrists and ankles. If the growth plates have fused the only thing HGH is going to do is make your boy grow heavier in weight and bulk up in muscle if he is exercising. Genetics play the majority of our predetermined height but not 100%. Environmentally a high protein diet promotes growth as well as long nights (by stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete HGH) such as in the arctics. The short of this is to go consult with a pediatric endocrinologist as they would be the right person to talk to. My humble 2 cents. I hope this is helpful. MBA
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10-09-2012, 02:48 AM	#21
Exite Private 4 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	Honestly man just make sure he eats healthy and is active. I'm 6'3" and I didn't get that way doing anything special. It is just how I was supposed to be. Just keep away from fast food and stay away from heavily processed foods and he will grow up like his genes say he will. If he has a health condition then talk to a doctor. If a doctor gives him hgh it will probably be to make him grow like he should have not to grow larger than he was supposed to. I'm not a M.D. or anything so I could be pulling this from my behind but I don't see hgh as being good for a young growing boy. Does hgh cause the heart and other supporting organs to grow larger as well; I have no idea. Say he does grow 3" more than he would have otherwise can his heart now take it? Or will he always be under the threat of heart disease like those basketball players with growths on their pituitary glands? Just some stuff to think about. Last edited by Exite; 10-09-2012 at 02:54 AM..
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10-09-2012, 12:24 PM	#22
Twisted Six CarbonFiber Engineer @ ZeroMassMotorsports 40 Rep 1,481 Posts Drives: Z4si-coupe Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: -Laguna Beach Ca. iTrader: (6)	My brother and I may be a glitch in the algorithm of life here, but he is 6'6" and I am 6'1". Our parents are 5'7" & 5'5". My folks made us work everyday hard and eat at specific times with rarely EVER seeing sweets aside from fruits. Read no candy or ice-cream. We were swimmers,martial artists,hikers and the like.I raced BMX, he road raced 10 speeds. We arose each morning at 5am and went to bed at 9pm.Exhausted.Lots of green vegetables etc. No fast foods. We had some lakeside land that we cleared and developed for a cabin during our growth period and were lifting heavy tree trunks and concrete blocks etc. We are in our early 50's now and stronger than we were in our 20's with no health issues. My parents are plagued with health issues , probably due to smoking and inactivity. If genetics do play a role....we dodged that short ranged bullet whether activity played a role or not....who knows ?
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