%%I don’t have BP issues but my blood glucose spikes to 300-400 mg/dL when I play in a tournament chess game. I’m focused and calculating hard to outplay my opponent yet I never felt really stressed out. But I’m obviously getting a cortisol reaction from stress.
A well known IM dropped dead in a tournament a few years ago. I love to play competitive chess but it’s just not worth endangering health. I’ve pretty much had to give up playing weekend tournaments.
When I found out I had metabolic issues, I was concerned about my reaction while trading. It was a relief to know that my glucose doesn’t spike when I trade. I’m focused and thinking for long periods but it’s missing the competitive element that seems to cause the cortisol reaction.
I know people stress about money in and out of markets. My viewpoint is merely that trading is not inherently stressful. Of course, exercise, good nutrition, adequate rest, etc. are all important. Maybe securing the money part should be added to that list to reduce stress.


Trading has become too stressful lately and causing high BP. Wondering how traders manage stress? Looking for suggestions on medications/supplements(legal, of course) which help to relax. Appreciate any help.
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I trade ICs and when the short strike is threatened, my bp goes through the roof.
How does donating blood help high BP
Is it removing volume?
Would you recommend blood-letting
Smaller positions.Trading has become too stressful lately and causing high BP. Wondering how traders manage stress? Looking for suggestions on medications/supplements(legal, of course) which help to relax. Appreciate any help.
Search on "foods that lower blood pressure", as there are quite a few that help.%%
Good points. Longer term trading/investing may not be as stress ful. NOT a prediction. I just read a medical doctors article in a book today. Amazing benefits of sunflower seeds include blood pressure benefits.
That sort of health tends to get excluded, mostly, its not taught in med school..................................................................................................... But Sunflower Seeds are not low cal.![]()
I heard a doctor once saying that donating blood is good as the blood get cleaned out. Need to do some more research on it