Believe it or not, there’s actually proven research about how your birth month can affect your health. In fact, studies published in the Journal of American Medical Informatics Association, by the Columbia University Department of Medicine and the Medical Research Council at the University of Cambridge all found correlations between the risk of a patient contracting certain diseases and the month the patient was born.
It’s not astrology per se. (Don’t let the stars diagnose you, leave that for your doctor.) But it’s about the timing of the year. For example, The Columbia University Department of Medicine looked at 1.75 million patients born between 1900 and 2000 and linked 55 diseases with the month that they were most likely to be correlated.
Of course, the researchers emphasized that other factors including one’s diet, medical care, exercise and geographical location are more likely to play a role in whether or not one contracts a disease. However, the correlations are too interesting to ignore. So, with all this data, it’s time to find out what your birth month could mean for your health.
January
If you were born in January, you have an increased chance of cardiovascular diseases, specifically high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy (which is a heart muscle disease). However, you have a low protection against neurological diseases as well as respiratory diseases. Want to lower your blood pressure? Try using apple cider vinegar.
February
Babies born in February have a low protection rate against reproductive diseases and neurological diseases. However, you have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as lung cancer. Want to eat something good for your heart? We’ve got you covered with some oatmeal recipes – this superfood can help lower your bad cholesterol and keep your arteries clear.
March
If you’re a March baby, you have an increased chance of heart diseases, specifically Atherosclerosis (when plaque builds up in your arteries) and Atrial Fibrillation (when you have an irregular or rapid heart beat). Want to reduce the plaque in your arteries? Try these easy exercises you can do in your dorm room. And on a positive note, March babies, you are much less likely to experience any neurological problems.
April
Those born in April have an increased chance of angina (chest pain due to a heart disease). The chance of other cardiovascular diseases is also increased. But just like March, you’re much less likely to experience neurological problems. Want a way to prevent Angina? You might just have to make a lifestyle change to reduce stress. Try these seven super foods that can help reduce stress for an easy start.
May
If you’re born in May, you’re a lucky one! Generally, there’s no increased chance of diseases for babies born in May, but women born in this month might be slightly less fertile than those born in other months. Want to start eating healthy despite your lower risk? Try these five healthy eating hacks to start.
June
Babies born in June have a very high risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, specifically severe angina. On a positive note, if you’re born in June you have a slightly protection against reproductive diseases. Also, women born in this month tend to have high birth weights and a later puberty, both of which are linked to better health outcomes as adults. Want to reduce your chance of respiratory infections? Try drinking more water every day. (Here’s how to do that without having to pee every two seconds.)
July
For those born in July, there’s a moderate protection against all diseases, specifically reproductive diseases. As with June babies, July babies have overall higher birth weights and later puberty which is usually linked with better health as adults. Want to learn more about eating healthy despite your birth month’s protection against diseases? Read this nutrition major’s advice.
August
If you were born in August you have no increased likelihood of disease. And as with June and July, you’re average higher birth weight and later puberty you’re linked to better health outcomes as an adult. Want to start eating healthy despite your reduced likelihood? Learn how to do just that without having to eat like a rabbit.
September
Babies born in September have a moderate overall risk of disease, but specifically an increased chance for asthma. Women born in this month are slightly less fertile, though. However, you have a low protection against cardiovascular diseases. Want to learn how to prevent asthma attacks? Studies have shown that working out indoors can reduce your chances, so learn some easy exercises you can do indoors.
October
For those born in October, there’s an increased chance of overall diseases, specifically respiratory diseases. There’s also a slightly higher chance of reproductive diseases and ADHD. If you’re looking for a positive, October babies, you have a much lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Want some food to reduce your chance of respiratory diseases? Studies have shown that nuts can help so check out this guide to which nuts you should avoid.
November
If you were born in November you have the highest chance of ADHD. Babies born in this month also have an increased risk of respiratory diseases, specifically Acute Bronchiolitis. However you have a lower risk of overall cardiovascular diseases. Want to learn how to reduce the chance of ADHD in children? Check out these four natural alternatives to food coloring.
December
Finally, for those of you that were born in December, you have a very low risk of developing reproductive and respiratory diseases, but generally have no risk or protection against any overall disease. Want to start eating better for your health but can’t stop those food cravings? Try these 17 healthy substitutes.