Astrology and Your Health

Health and Your Sign

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.

Reprinted from "Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness" by Stephanie Gailing. Copyright © 2009. Crossing Press, Berkeley, CA. www.tenspeed.com

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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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