In this podcast, we’re going to take a look at how nutritional deficiencies can stunt growth. Most stunted growth is related to malnutrition. For example, a zinc deficiency can cause you to be shorter. Issues with the pituitary gland can stunt growth because the pituitary gland controls the release of growth hormone.

In children, growth hormone helps bones and muscles grow and affects height. In adults, growth hormone preserves protein in your body, aids in weight loss, and has anti-aging properties.

Amino acids stimulate human growth hormone. If you’re not consuming enough protein, growth hormone can be diminished. High blood glucose, a high-sugar diet, insulin resistance, and lack of sleep can negatively affect human growth hormone.

The liver makes a hormone known as insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1). If you're deficient in this hormone, you may end up on the shorter side. IGF-1 is also triggered by amino acids and zinc.

If you’re not consuming enough red meat, fish, and shellfish, you could end up with a zinc deficiency. There is not a lot of zinc in plant foods!

The Republic of the Congo has the highest rate of zinc deficiency. In the Republic of the Congo, the diet is primarily composed of rice, grains, corn, and cereals, which are high in phytic acid. Phytic acid blocks zinc which can create a massive zinc deficiency and affect your immune system. Stress, sugar, and insulin resistance can also cause a zinc deficiency.

Vitamin D is very important for growth, but many people are deficient. Children don't go outside as much, and they consume large amounts of junk foods, which inhibits vitamin D. Inflammation in the gut also blocks its absorption.

DATA:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...