Year of the Rat

The Rat is the Sign of the Chinese zodiac that controls the kidneys and the bladder. Rats are prone toward weakness in the lower back as well, and can easily dislocate vertebrae if they overexert themselves. They are also predisposed toward kidney ailments and have a marked tendency towards diseases of the skin, up to and including melanoma. The foods that would prove beneficial to the Rat if included in their diet are apples, raisins, almonds, asparagus, peas, corn, carrots, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, and oatmeal. Rats function best on a diet that is high in proteins (with lots of lean meat) and low in fat, sugar and acid- producing foods. It is important for Rats to avoid the overly rich foods that they usually crave, as these can lead to all kinds of health problems. Rats should also avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks, as these beverages are very bad for the kidneys.

Year of the Ox

The Sign of the Ox is associated with the kidneys and the genitals. The Ox person can be uncomfortably prone to infections of the urinary tract. Embarrassing and hard-to-explain venereal infections are ailments to which Oxen are also very susceptible. An eventual complication of these various diseases can be sterility. The foods that are highly beneficial to Ox persons when included in their diet are asparagus, cauliflower, radishes, onions, watercress, tomatoes, prunes, and cherries. The Ox needs foods that provide a sufficient amount of calcium. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese are very important in their diet plans. More attention should be paid to a diet higher in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads, or else obesity could lurk in the Ox person's future.

Year of the Tiger

The Sign of the Tiger is associated with the midsection of the human body, and the liver in particular. People born under this Sign are unusually susceptible to chronic aches in the hips and thighs and may be equally vulnerable to hip disease, and arthritis in old age. Key foods for the health-conscious Tiger person include fresh green leafy salads (romaine, spinach or endive are preferred for these), green peppers, figs, strawberries, pears, baked potatoes, oatmeal, whole grain breads and cereals, and fresh eggs. Tigers are in the main very athletic and should eat a high protein diet, with lots of broiled poultry and fish, in order to fuel their body properly. Tiger persons who devolve into laziness are prone to eventual obesity, and anyone born in a year of this Sign should avoid fats, gravies, rich sauces, real butter, and chocolate.

Year of the Rabbit

The Sign of the Rabbit is associated with the liver, the gall bladder and the spleen. Rabbit people also have undue sensitivity to complications of the bones, joints and knees and can be vulnerable to rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, stiff joints and orthopedic problems, even at a relatively young age. They should not allow joint pains to confine them to an armchair, for only exercise can work out the kinks and stiffness in their frames. The key foods of the ideal Rabbit diet include oranges, lemons, celery, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, corn, peas, potatoes, walnuts, and almonds. Rabbits should also eat many fresh green salads, lots of lean protein, and fish in their diet. Calcium rich food like milk and cottage cheese would also prove to be beneficial. Sweet snacks, though a powerful attractant, must be avoided at all costs!

Year of the Dragon

The Sign of the Dragon is a very powerful and physically enduring Sign, but still can suffer from high blood pressure, insomnia, circulatory disorders and respiratory problems due to excessive stress. The most common ailments reported by persons born in a Dragon year are circulatory problems, hardening of the arteries, and in rare instances anemia. Dragons should monitor their salt intake carefully, all the while remembering that too little salt in their diet can be as bad as too much salt in their diet. Key foods in the Dragon's salt regime include lobster, tuna, clams, oysters, spinach, radishes, cabbage, corn, lentils, peanuts and lemons. The Dragon's worst enemy is caffeine in undue amounts, especially when taken in the form of coffee, as it can render them excessively hyperactive, tense, and aggressive, as well as exacerbate the potential health problems mentioned above.

Year of the Snake

The Sign of the Snake is associated with the heart, circulatory system, small intestine and stomach, and digestive troubles can be common in a Snake under too much pressure. Persons born in a year of this Sign tend to have a delicate constitution and do not easily repel the onslaught of diseases. They are thus highly vulnerable to colds, sinus attacks and other minor bodily aches and pains. Snakes must be sure to get enough iron in their diets, or else their circulatory systems can suffer. Liver, lamb, egg yolks, kidneys, barley, dried beans, beet roots, spinach, onions and lettuce are key components in the necessary iron-rich diet, especially the first two items. The Snake's delicate constitution can be disrupted by sugars, fats and beverages containing caffeine, and these should be avoided if at all possible.

Year of the Horse

The Sign of the Horse has the burden of excess energy, which most commonly sublimates itself in stress, primarily in the circulatory and digestive systems. The Horse is greatly susceptible to massive migraine headaches as well, which can be either due to sinus congestion or just sheer anxiety. Horses tend to be their own worst enemies -- they overwork their bodies constantly and push their physique to the breaking point time and time again. Horse persons expend so much energy that they need to constantly replenish their energy source, and the ideal diet with which to do just that would include veal, fresh fish, brown rice, lentils and other legumes, walnuts, olives, onions, lettuce, cauliflower, cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, bananas, and dried apricots. Horses should beware of salt and alcohol in excessive amounts. They should also remember to get plenty of rest, and stay adequately hydrated throughout their daily round of activities.

Year of the Goat

The Sign of the Goat is generally associated with the heart and the small intestine. They are also connected to the neck and throat area, which includes the vocal chords, tonsils and the palate. The most common ailments suffered by Goats are therefore colds, coughs, sore throats, laryngitis, swollen glands, and stiff necks. The thyroid gland, too, is Goat territory as well, and any malfunction of this highly important gland can lead to serious health problems in the long run. Goats should follow a diet that is low in starches, fats and sugars, as well as one that includes the following foods: asparagus, beets, cauliflower, spinach, cucumbers, onions, and mixed nuts. Drinking plenty of water also helps the Goat person to keep their system free of impurities. Heavy rich foods should be avoided. To ensure that the thyroid functions smoothly, Goats should eat foods that are rich in natural iodine, such as seafood and fish in general.

Year of the Monkey

The Monkey is the Sign most commonly associated with the lungs and the large intestine. They are vulnerable to upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and asthma. The Monkey is also often excitable and excessively anxious, which may lead to nervous disorders in the long run. Monkeys are overly fond of junk food and should avoid it at all costs. Many Monkeys cannot consume large amounts of food at one sitting; eating four mini-meals a day is much better for them. Ideal Monkey foods include green beans, tomatoes, celery, carrots, spinach, oranges, and plums, as well as grapefruit, almonds, and broiled fish for the nervous system. Monkeys also need calcium to keep their bones healthy, and milk and cottage cheese can be excellent sources of this vital mineral.

Year of the Rooster

The Sign of the Rooster is most commonly associated with the lungs and the large intestine, as well as the stomach. Tension, anxiety, and emotional stress are the leading causes of illness among Roosters, as they are very highly strung. They are also prone to ulcers, gall bladder upsets, gas pains, nausea, and gastritis. In order to avoid such troublesome gastrointestinal disorders, the Rooster should consume a diet of whole grain breads, yogurt, beets, fish and oysters. They can also benefit from the inclusion of milk, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes in their diet, as these foods are high in calcium. Okra, which also contains calcium, can aid the Rooster in reducing chronic stomach inflammations. Fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and lean protein are a daily must for the average Rooster, if they want to keep up their energy. Extra spicy foods should be avoided at all costs!

Year of the Dog

The Dog is the Sign of the Chinese zodiac most commonly associated with the spine, the back, and the heart. People born under this Sign usually have a history of back problems. Dogs tend to suffer from overexertion and nerves. Their upper back tires more easily than other parts of their bodies. They are also subject to pains and pressure around the upper chest region. The healthy Dog requires a diet composed primarily of whole grain breads and cereals, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried figs, apples, peaches, dried coconuts, rice, seafood, prunes, dates, and spinach. Foods that can aid the Dog against complaints of the circulatory system include beef, lamb, liver, cheese, whole milk, and yogurt. All Dog persons would do well to avoid high fat, high cholesterol foods and junk food of all kinds, as their chronic high energy could suffer and an eventual stroke could be the result of too much indulgence in such delicacies.

Year of the Pig

The Sign of the Pig is most commonly associated with the kidneys, bladder, colon and nervous system. People born under this Sign possess an uncooperative digestive system, and frequently suffer from indigestion, gas pains, ulcers, liver upsets, colitis, and bowel problems. They also tend to worry about their health overmuch and are inclined to be somewhat hypochondriac. What a Pig person needs in their diet is lots of green leafy vegetables and other roughage, whole grain breads, wheat germ oil, oatmeal, almonds, oranges, bananas and lemons. Other healthy foods that are easy on the digestive system include corn bread, yogurt, brown rice, melons, and apples. Herb teas can help soothe upset stomachs. The food of a Pig should not be highly seasoned, spicy, or deep fat fried. Sweet snacks should be kept to an absolute minimum as well.