Health and Your Sign
Posted: 2009-04-03 16:53:36
Reprinted from "Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness" by Stephanie Gailing. Copyright © 2009. Crossing Press, Berkeley, CA. www.tenspeed.com
Aries: Stay Ahead of Headaches
Aries rules the head and brain, which also means that many Rams are vulnerable to headaches. Taking time to relax is important when you get a headache (and for preventing them in the first place). Additionally, keep tabs on your diet to see if particular foods lead to a throbbing noggin; for example, many migraine sufferers are sensitive to aged cheese, sour cream, red wine, and chocolate.
Aries Health-Supporting Foods: Red Foods
Red is associated with Aries: It's the color of your element, fire, as well as the brilliant hue that emanates from Mars. So why not enjoy a host of nutrient-rich red foods? For example, beets are rich in appetite-satisfying fiber, tomatoes are filled with heart-healthy lycopene, and cayenne peppers contain the natural pain-relieving capsaicin.
Taurus: Protect Your Throat
To maintain the health of the Taurus-ruled throat region throughout the year, adopt the habit of drinking plenty of water each day. Throat-soothing teas -- many of which contain the herbs marshmallow root and slippery elm -- with a touch of added honey make a delightful beverage. Also make sure your diet provides you with ample amounts of nutrients -- notably immune-supportive vitamin C, zinc, and flavonoids -- to help ward off infections.
Taurus Health-Supporting Foods: Garden Herbs
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme: This quartet of herbs can be one of the best additions to a Taurean menu. They're an inexpensive way to add flavor to your meals and, even when used in small amounts, add a wealth of nutrients to your diet.
Gemini: Relieve Stress and Tension
Geminis love to gather data. While you feel drawn to this type of mental stimulation, you can also suffer from information overload, resulting in undue stress on your nervous system. This stress often manifests in muscular tension -- notably in your shoulders. It's especially important for Geminis to tune out every now and then. Take periodic vacations from your cell phone, computer, and television, and schedule a little quiet time each day where you can tune out the world and tune into yourself.
Gemini Health-Supporting Foods: Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Beta-cryptoxanthin, an up-and-coming nutritional star, is a cousin of beta-carotene that offers great support for the health of the Gemini-ruled lungs. It's a powerful antioxidant that can be converted in the body to vitamin A and is thought to lower the risk of developing lung cancer.
Cancer: Trust Your Gut
In medical astrology, the stomach and esophagus are ruled by Cancer, making them two of the Crab's more vulnerable body spots. Reducing caffeine, watching out for food allergies, and eating slowly can help reduce heartburn as can natural remedies such as bromelain and slippery elm.
Cancer Health-Supporting Foods: Brassica Vegetables
The Brassica family of vegetables -- including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, and mustard greens -- can be important to your health. Also known as crucifers, their unique sulfur-containing nutrients help the liver neutralize cancer-causing chemicals.
Leo: Care for Your Heart
Since the sign of Leo rules the heart, Lions need to pay particular attention to their cardiovascular health. High blood pressure and atherosclerosis can cause your heart to work harder than it needs to. Your self-motivation is a plus here, as an individually guided wellness program of exercise, diet, and stress management practices can do wonders for heart health.
Leo Health-Supporting Foods: Grapes
Among their numerous benefits, grapes are a sweet way to keep your heart in tip-top shape. While green grapes are delicious, red and purple ones contain more antioxidants, including the polyphenol resveratrol (which is even more concentrated in red wine). This nutrient extraordinaire is a hot topic in research circles for its cardiovascular and anti-aging benefits.
Virgo: Aid Digestion
Virgoans may want to pay careful attention to their digestive health. Excess stress and the routine intake of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to intestinal permeability, a cause of indigestion and nutrient malabsorption. One way to boost intestinal health is to eat a diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids (featured in cold-water fish) as well as the flavonoid and carotenoid phytonutrients found concentrated in fruits and vegetables.
Virgo Health-Supporting Foods: Whole Grains
The symbol for your sign, the Virgin, is often depicted holding onto a sheaf of grain, a food that can play a health-promoting role in a Virgoan's diet. Fiber-rich whole grains are better for you than ones that have been refined, which are stripped of many of their naturally occurring nutrients.
Libra: Back Up Back Health
In the name of peace and harmony, Librans tend to bend over backward for others. While your gracious and accommodating disposition is second nature, it isn't without its stress, which often takes refuge in the Libra-ruled lower back, translating into pain and stiffness. Chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture can be beneficial in promoting back health as can graceful, yet strengthening, fitness approaches such as Pilates and Gyrotonics. Ensuring your work space has good ergonomics and your mattress is adequately supportive can also be helpful whether you have a bad back or just want to prevent one.
Libra Health-Supporting Foods: Berries
Brimming with nutrients, especially phytonutrients with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, Venus-ruled berries can spruce up your health. Raspberries and blackberries are especially rich in fiber, while cranberries may help prevent kidney stones. Berries are considered a low to medium glycemic index food and therefore won't elevate blood sugar as much as many other fruits.
Scorpio: Maintain Regularity
While a complex Scorpio might not consider herself to be "regular," when it comes to your health, being regular is important, especially since your sign rules the large intestine. Bowel irregularity, often experienced as bouts of constipation, can reduce energy, impede weight loss, and detract from a sense of vitality. A fiber-rich diet can help keep things moving smoothly and promote optimal intestinal health. Activities that reduce stress -- including exercise, yoga, and meditation -- are also beneficial for the resilient Scorpio's digestive health.
Scorpio Health-Supporting Foods: Dark Chocolate
Scorpios' love of the dark can come in handy when choosing chocolate with the most health benefits. Darker chocolates have a higher content of cacao and therefore a greater amount of heart-healthy flavonoid antioxidants. Chocolate's allure also extends to its reputation as an aphrodisiac, a boon for sensually oriented Scorpios.
Sagittarius: Strengthen Your Muscles
The sign of Sagittarius represents the desire to move from place to place. Consequently, in medical astrology, the buttocks and thighs, two areas intimately connected to movement, are associated with your sign. If the muscles located in these areas -- notably the quadriceps, hamstrings, or gluteus muscles -- are overly tight or weak, it can lead to lower back pain, knee instability, or sciatic nerve impingement. Regular exercise and massage can keep your muscles toned.
Sagittarius Health-Supporting Foods: Olives and Olive Oil
Jupiter-ruled olives and their oil earn a gold medal when it comes to nutrition. Rich in health-promoting fats and antioxidants, olives and olive oil play a starring role in the Mediterranean diet and are thought to be one of the reasons that this approach to eating offers protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Capricorn: Keep Your Knees Flexible
In medical astrology, the sign of Capricorn is associated with the joints. As such, you may want to take special care of your joints -- especially your knees -- to ward off the potential for developing arthritis. An anti-inflammatory diet -- filled with foods and spices rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants -- can do wonders for supporting rheumatic health, as can watching your stress levels.
Capricorn Health-Supporting Foods: Goat's Milk
Unsurprisingly, goat's milk -- and the yogurt and cheese made from it -- can be a health-supporting food for the Mountain Goat. It is rich in calcium, with 1 cup providing over 300 milligrams of this bone-building mineral.
Aquarius: Mind Your Lower Legs and Ankles
Just like Achilles, your spot of vulnerability is the eponymous tendon, as well as the rest of your lower leg including your calf and ankle. Numerous afflictions can impact this area of the body including muscle spasms, shin splints, restless leg syndrome, and swollen or twisted ankles. Take extra precautions when exercising to guard against injury. As for diet, magnesium- and potassium-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, can help keep your muscles functioning smoothly.
Aquarius Health-Supporting Foods: Exotic Fruit
Aquarians are the global citizens of the zodiac, and as such, they find the exotic both attractive and familiar. That's of benefit when it comes to fruits, as those from the tropics -- such as goji and açai berries, guava, and even the more common papaya and pineapple -- can be health-promoting additions to an Aquarian diet.
Pisces: Support Your Soulful SolesPisces
Even when walking down the street, Pisceans tend to have their heads in the clouds rather than their focus on the ground, leading to a greater than fair share of stubbed toes. Try to put your inclination to daydream on hold while navigating your environment. Also, don't sacrifice comfort for fashion; your gentle soles need support -- whether in a strappy sandal or winter boot -- to avoid the aches and blisters to which they are inclined.
Pisces Health-Supporting Foods: Fish and Shellfish
Not surprisingly, fish and shellfish can play an important role in a healthy Piscean diet. The protein these foods provide gives you long-running energy, while their selenium and zinc help support your immune system. Anti-inflammatory omega-3s -- most concentrated in fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring -- promote heart health, reduce symptoms of depression, and contribute to radiant skin and hair.
Aries: Stay Ahead of Headaches
Aries rules the head and brain, which also means that many Rams are vulnerable to headaches. Taking time to relax is important when you get a headache (and for preventing them in the first place). Additionally, keep tabs on your diet to see if particular foods lead to a throbbing noggin; for example, many migraine sufferers are sensitive to aged cheese, sour cream, red wine, and chocolate.
Aries Health-Supporting Foods: Red Foods
Red is associated with Aries: It's the color of your element, fire, as well as the brilliant hue that emanates from Mars. So why not enjoy a host of nutrient-rich red foods? For example, beets are rich in appetite-satisfying fiber, tomatoes are filled with heart-healthy lycopene, and cayenne peppers contain the natural pain-relieving capsaicin.
Taurus: Protect Your Throat
To maintain the health of the Taurus-ruled throat region throughout the year, adopt the habit of drinking plenty of water each day. Throat-soothing teas -- many of which contain the herbs marshmallow root and slippery elm -- with a touch of added honey make a delightful beverage. Also make sure your diet provides you with ample amounts of nutrients -- notably immune-supportive vitamin C, zinc, and flavonoids -- to help ward off infections.
Taurus Health-Supporting Foods: Garden Herbs
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme: This quartet of herbs can be one of the best additions to a Taurean menu. They're an inexpensive way to add flavor to your meals and, even when used in small amounts, add a wealth of nutrients to your diet.
Gemini: Relieve Stress and Tension
Geminis love to gather data. While you feel drawn to this type of mental stimulation, you can also suffer from information overload, resulting in undue stress on your nervous system. This stress often manifests in muscular tension -- notably in your shoulders. It's especially important for Geminis to tune out every now and then. Take periodic vacations from your cell phone, computer, and television, and schedule a little quiet time each day where you can tune out the world and tune into yourself.
Gemini Health-Supporting Foods: Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Beta-cryptoxanthin, an up-and-coming nutritional star, is a cousin of beta-carotene that offers great support for the health of the Gemini-ruled lungs. It's a powerful antioxidant that can be converted in the body to vitamin A and is thought to lower the risk of developing lung cancer.
Cancer: Trust Your Gut
In medical astrology, the stomach and esophagus are ruled by Cancer, making them two of the Crab's more vulnerable body spots. Reducing caffeine, watching out for food allergies, and eating slowly can help reduce heartburn as can natural remedies such as bromelain and slippery elm.
Cancer Health-Supporting Foods: Brassica Vegetables
The Brassica family of vegetables -- including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, and mustard greens -- can be important to your health. Also known as crucifers, their unique sulfur-containing nutrients help the liver neutralize cancer-causing chemicals.
Leo: Care for Your Heart
Since the sign of Leo rules the heart, Lions need to pay particular attention to their cardiovascular health. High blood pressure and atherosclerosis can cause your heart to work harder than it needs to. Your self-motivation is a plus here, as an individually guided wellness program of exercise, diet, and stress management practices can do wonders for heart health.
Leo Health-Supporting Foods: Grapes
Among their numerous benefits, grapes are a sweet way to keep your heart in tip-top shape. While green grapes are delicious, red and purple ones contain more antioxidants, including the polyphenol resveratrol (which is even more concentrated in red wine). This nutrient extraordinaire is a hot topic in research circles for its cardiovascular and anti-aging benefits.
Virgo: Aid Digestion
Virgoans may want to pay careful attention to their digestive health. Excess stress and the routine intake of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to intestinal permeability, a cause of indigestion and nutrient malabsorption. One way to boost intestinal health is to eat a diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids (featured in cold-water fish) as well as the flavonoid and carotenoid phytonutrients found concentrated in fruits and vegetables.
Virgo Health-Supporting Foods: Whole Grains
The symbol for your sign, the Virgin, is often depicted holding onto a sheaf of grain, a food that can play a health-promoting role in a Virgoan's diet. Fiber-rich whole grains are better for you than ones that have been refined, which are stripped of many of their naturally occurring nutrients.
Libra: Back Up Back Health
In the name of peace and harmony, Librans tend to bend over backward for others. While your gracious and accommodating disposition is second nature, it isn't without its stress, which often takes refuge in the Libra-ruled lower back, translating into pain and stiffness. Chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture can be beneficial in promoting back health as can graceful, yet strengthening, fitness approaches such as Pilates and Gyrotonics. Ensuring your work space has good ergonomics and your mattress is adequately supportive can also be helpful whether you have a bad back or just want to prevent one.
Libra Health-Supporting Foods: Berries
Brimming with nutrients, especially phytonutrients with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, Venus-ruled berries can spruce up your health. Raspberries and blackberries are especially rich in fiber, while cranberries may help prevent kidney stones. Berries are considered a low to medium glycemic index food and therefore won't elevate blood sugar as much as many other fruits.
Scorpio: Maintain Regularity
While a complex Scorpio might not consider herself to be "regular," when it comes to your health, being regular is important, especially since your sign rules the large intestine. Bowel irregularity, often experienced as bouts of constipation, can reduce energy, impede weight loss, and detract from a sense of vitality. A fiber-rich diet can help keep things moving smoothly and promote optimal intestinal health. Activities that reduce stress -- including exercise, yoga, and meditation -- are also beneficial for the resilient Scorpio's digestive health.
Scorpio Health-Supporting Foods: Dark Chocolate
Scorpios' love of the dark can come in handy when choosing chocolate with the most health benefits. Darker chocolates have a higher content of cacao and therefore a greater amount of heart-healthy flavonoid antioxidants. Chocolate's allure also extends to its reputation as an aphrodisiac, a boon for sensually oriented Scorpios.
Sagittarius: Strengthen Your Muscles
The sign of Sagittarius represents the desire to move from place to place. Consequently, in medical astrology, the buttocks and thighs, two areas intimately connected to movement, are associated with your sign. If the muscles located in these areas -- notably the quadriceps, hamstrings, or gluteus muscles -- are overly tight or weak, it can lead to lower back pain, knee instability, or sciatic nerve impingement. Regular exercise and massage can keep your muscles toned.
Sagittarius Health-Supporting Foods: Olives and Olive Oil
Jupiter-ruled olives and their oil earn a gold medal when it comes to nutrition. Rich in health-promoting fats and antioxidants, olives and olive oil play a starring role in the Mediterranean diet and are thought to be one of the reasons that this approach to eating offers protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Capricorn: Keep Your Knees Flexible
In medical astrology, the sign of Capricorn is associated with the joints. As such, you may want to take special care of your joints -- especially your knees -- to ward off the potential for developing arthritis. An anti-inflammatory diet -- filled with foods and spices rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants -- can do wonders for supporting rheumatic health, as can watching your stress levels.
Capricorn Health-Supporting Foods: Goat's Milk
Unsurprisingly, goat's milk -- and the yogurt and cheese made from it -- can be a health-supporting food for the Mountain Goat. It is rich in calcium, with 1 cup providing over 300 milligrams of this bone-building mineral.
Aquarius: Mind Your Lower Legs and Ankles
Just like Achilles, your spot of vulnerability is the eponymous tendon, as well as the rest of your lower leg including your calf and ankle. Numerous afflictions can impact this area of the body including muscle spasms, shin splints, restless leg syndrome, and swollen or twisted ankles. Take extra precautions when exercising to guard against injury. As for diet, magnesium- and potassium-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, can help keep your muscles functioning smoothly.
Aquarius Health-Supporting Foods: Exotic Fruit
Aquarians are the global citizens of the zodiac, and as such, they find the exotic both attractive and familiar. That's of benefit when it comes to fruits, as those from the tropics -- such as goji and açai berries, guava, and even the more common papaya and pineapple -- can be health-promoting additions to an Aquarian diet.
Pisces: Support Your Soulful SolesPisces
Even when walking down the street, Pisceans tend to have their heads in the clouds rather than their focus on the ground, leading to a greater than fair share of stubbed toes. Try to put your inclination to daydream on hold while navigating your environment. Also, don't sacrifice comfort for fashion; your gentle soles need support -- whether in a strappy sandal or winter boot -- to avoid the aches and blisters to which they are inclined.
Pisces Health-Supporting Foods: Fish and Shellfish
Not surprisingly, fish and shellfish can play an important role in a healthy Piscean diet. The protein these foods provide gives you long-running energy, while their selenium and zinc help support your immune system. Anti-inflammatory omega-3s -- most concentrated in fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring -- promote heart health, reduce symptoms of depression, and contribute to radiant skin and hair.
2009-04-03 16:28:34
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