Biohacking for traders, pt. 2: foods for better decision-making and performanceWhat traders eat throughout the day directly affects reaction speed, analytical thinking, and resistance to impulsive decisions during trading.
Important: Even seemingly harmless nutrients may have individual contraindications. Consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.
Calories, proteins, fats, and carbs
A calorie deficit can impair the function of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for risk assessment and impulse control. General requirements are approximately 1,800–2,400 kcal for women and 2,200–3,000 kcal for men.
Protein is essential for the production of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Common sources: eggs, fish, legumes, and meat. Dietary fat serves as a building block for myelin, which helps accelerate signal transmission within the nervous system. Eliminating fats entirely may impair attention, perception, memory, and reasoning. Good sources: fatty fish, nuts, avocados, eggs, olive oil, and dairy products. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for the brain, which consumes roughly 20% of the body's total energy. However, the type of carbs matters as much as the quantity. E.g., a 2024 study published in npj Digital Medicine involving 200 participants found that significant deviations from an individual's typical glucose range may be associated with slower information-processing speed.Sources: fast-digesting carbs—sweets, pastries, sugary drinks—can cause rapid spikes and subsequent crashes of energy. Oatmeal, legumes, whole grains, and vegetables generally provide a more gradual response, helping support steadier energy levels and sustained concentration throughout the day.
