Ep 10. Why Do We Stop Growing?

Colossal Questions is a fascinating show that answers some of the biggest questions that we humans ponder upon. The show strives to quench our thirst for knowledge by answering questions that have always left us curious and intrigued. The episode that we will be discussing today is the tenth installment of the third season titled, "Why Do We Stop Growing?"

As children, we all look forward to growing up and becoming adults. But, as we reach our adolescent years, we gradually come to the realization that we will not continue growing forever. Eventually, we hit our adult height, and we stop growing further. In this episode, the host of Colossal Questions, explores the fascinating topic of why humans stop growing.

To begin with, the host takes us back to the basics of human growth. As we know, the human body undergoes a tremendous amount of growth during the early years of life. However, this growth rate slows down as we age, and in most cases, the body stops growing altogether after we hit our early twenties.

The host explains that human growth is regulated by different hormones. The hormone that plays a significant role in human growth is called the "growth hormone." This hormone is produced by a tiny gland located in the brain known as the pituitary gland. During the earlier stages of life, the pituitary gland releases a lot of growth hormones, and this results in a rapid increase in height.

However, as the host explains, the production of the growth hormone decreases significantly as we age. By the time we reach our twenties, the production of the growth hormone comes to a halt almost entirely. This hormonal regulation of human growth provides a significant insight into why we stop growing at a certain age.

However, the host does not stop here. He further explores the reasons for the decline in the production of the growth hormone. He explains that different factors play a role in the decline of this hormone. One of the biggest factors that lead to the decline of the growth hormone is genetics. Our genetic makeup regulates the production and secretion of different hormones in our body, including the growth hormone. If our genetic makeup predisposes us to low production of the growth hormone, we may reach our maximum height at an earlier age.

The host also talks about the impact of external factors on human growth. One of the most significant external factors that regulate human growth is nutrition. The host explains that a healthy and balanced diet is necessary for human growth. If we do not receive adequate nutrition during our early years, it can affect our growth rate significantly.

Furthermore, the host also talks about how physical activity plays a vital role in human growth. He explains that physical activity stimulates the production of the growth hormone and helps in maintaining bone density. The host also highlights the importance of getting an adequate amount of sleep for human growth. During sleep, our body releases certain hormones, including the growth hormone, which aids in the repair and growth of tissues.

Overall, this episode of Colossal Questions provides a fascinating insight into the science behind human growth. The host does an exceptional job of breaking down this complex topic into digestible bits of information. The episode is not just informative but also engaging, making it a must-watch for anyone curious about the science behind human growth.