Five Ways Traders Can Strengthen Their Immunity

None of us are entirely immune to market melt-downs. However, by having a working system in place, that minimizes our risks, we can stay in the game! It’s no different when it comes to our health. If we have a system in place to protect our bodies from breaking down, we can weather the storms until the environment has shifted.

There are many ways and means to protect and strengthen our immune systems. Food is our medicine, feeding the billions of beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. 70% of our immune system lives in our gut.

Here are Five ways to help strengthen your immunity starting today.

1) Get Rid of Sugars in Your Diet

Sugar is garbage. Pure and simple. Sugar is also more addicting than cocaine, so while not an easy task to eliminate it at first, it can be done without too much pain, and with so much to gain— but not in weight. You will see a positive correlation in this area as well. Sugar starves the beneficial bacteria in the gut leaving your immune system compromised. Processed foods are no better, loaded with sugars, so read your labels!

You must also be mindful of fruits, which most people assume are healthy, and many are. However, you need to understand the glycemic index of these foods to know which ones will help and which to avoid. Depending on your chosen diet, you can select the ones that are high in fiber because this lessens the impact that sugars play on your blood glucose levels. Elevated blood sugar levels are responsible for so many diseases and prescriptions. Smoothies don’t cut it in my book. You’re basically drinking sugar. It’s better just to eat the fruit.

2) Eat Fermented Foods and Allium-Rich Vegetables

We’re traders, so we’re alone most of the day. Load up on garlic and onions as they are powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. They provide your gut with the fiber and prebiotics that help your gut thrive. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kefir are also excellent choices for immune support.

3) Limit Alcohol Content

Now this one I’m sure I’ll get a lot of push back, especially in light of our current market conditions. But hear me out. I like a stiff drink as much as the next person and am not saying you need to abstain if this is part of your healthy lifestyle. Think about quality vs. quantity.

Enjoy a glass of wine. (or whatever you fancy) with dinner or as an excellent way to connect with friends (after social distancing is over, of course), but keep it to one or two to enjoy the health benefits while still being able to be awake and alert to execute those winning trades.

Another excellent beverage to add to your meals is bone broth. Try adding bone broth to your repertoire for the amino acids (like arginine, glutamine, and glycine) — all of which are excellent immunity reinforcements.

4) Spice It Up!

Ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, thyme, and cayenne pepper pack a potent anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral punch. Better yet, while cooking your meals with spices, make sure to use coconut oil (just a teaspoon will do) to not only add extra flavor, but this healthy fat supports immunity with antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

5) Supplement Your Diet

Below are a list of suggested ways to supplement your diet. Everyone’s body is different. Before you add any supplements to your diet, be sure to do your research or speak with a medical professional or nutritionist to make sure of the right supplements and dosages that are right for your body:

Antiviral herbs: These include andrographis, astragalus, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, oil of oregano, elderberry extract and lomatium. are all wise choices.

NAC (N-Aceryl-L-Cysteine): A precursor to the powerful immunity-booster glutathione, NAC also supports respiratory health by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, helping to thin out and loosen mucus in the air passageways. Dosage is usually 2-4 grams a day. This seems like a smart move in this environment.

Glutathione: This is considered the master antioxidant.

Vitamin D3: Ideally, your D levels should be in the 50 to 70mg/ml range, so have your doctor check yours. You both can then determine how much is needed to close the gap. For most people, a maintenance dose of 2,000-5,000 IU a day should work.

Vitamin C: As many of us know, Vitamin C protects against infection. Take 2 – 3 grams of Vitamin C every day.

Probiotics: Support gut health: Take on preferably with at least 20-50 billion viable organisms, and several types of good bacteria, like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, two of the most highly regarded strains.

Zinc: Add 25 mg of zinc per day on a short-term basis for an additional immune boost, and, if you feel a cold coming on, to help shorten its duration.

Fish oil: 1 -2 grams of high-quality fish oils daily will help keep immunity defenses strong. Just make sure yours contain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA and no fillers.

Spirulina: Studies suggest spirulina may boost the immune system and have antiviral properties. Dosage about 15 grams per day.

Immunity Health–Best Weapon Against Stress

These are trying times for all. We can eliminate some stress by focusing on our bodies and making these positive changes to our health. Also, just like starting a new exercise regime, before starting a new diet or going off any of your current medications, be sure to speak with a nutritionist or doctor. I am a certified nutritional consultant and am here to help walk you through any changes, so please drop me a comment below or reach out to me via email to setup a session: Beth@marawealth.net.  Also, by signing up for one of MARA’s packages today, you will get a FREE 30-minute coaching session with me, and be able to focus on both your trading health and your overall personal health and well-being simultaneously. https://www.marawealth.com/membership/

We will all get through this “together,” so stay strong and be on the lookout for my next post where I will cover exercise and lifestyle choices to boost immunity.