Ask Doc

We Were Sworn to Secrecy

Last week, I was in Palm Beach, Florida at the annual Stansberry Spring Editors' Conference.

Each year, several dozen colleagues gather to discuss current investment ideas and future trends.

This year, we heard all about...

  • More details on the new energy revolution that'll reshape our economy. I started telling readers about this in this month's Retirement Millionaire issue, but there's a long way to go.
  • A major development in international capital flows that our colleague Steve Sjuggerud learned about from his industry contacts. We were sworn to secrecy during Steve's presentation and there were no cameras allowed.
  • We heard a killer idea from Portfolio Solutions Investment Committee member Austin Root about a company he suspects will go to zero. It's got a medical technology that's going to get obliterated, in Austin's view, by an up-and-coming competitor.

We also digested presentations from more than 20 Stansberry Research staff analysts outlining the boldest views on what's next in the investment world and the evidence behind them.

I can't share any more details now. But don't worry... I'll make sure you're in the know as these exciting opportunities pop up.

Q: I saw your message asking for beta testers but can't locate it. Where can I get that information? – J.S.

A: For readers who missed it... Last week, I detailed a new product from my colleague Greg Diamond – Ten Stock Trader. Right now, we're inviting people to "beta test" Greg's trading service.

This gives access to Greg's hedge-fund-caliber research and his trading strategy that lets you make money no matter where the markets are going.

It's like getting hedge-fund research at a 98.5% discount.

But you only have until midnight this Sunday, April 29 to join our first ever beta test... Click here to join.

[optin_form id="73"]

Q: What info do you have on lower back pain and sciatica. My back has been hurting now for three months and a couple of months ago I went to get a deep [massage]. No help and I think it aggravated the sciatic nerve. The Va. has prescribed Baclofin, Cyclobenzaprine HLC and Meloxicam. None of these have been any help, and I have not had a full night's sleep in over two months. I've used heating pads ibuprofen etc. and no relief. Can you give me any help? – L.G.

A: Sciatic pain is excruciating. It involves pressure or pinching of the sciatic nerve, which starts in the lower back and runs down either of your legs. You likely feel tingling, numbness, and pain in the affected leg.

Lower back pain and sciatica are a bit different, so if you haven't already, we recommend a diagnosis for sciatica with a physician. He'll do a "range of motion" exam to determine if it's your sciatic nerve. If so, he can recommend things like physical therapy and ice packs.

We looked at some of the research and there's some good evidence that lower back pain and sciatica both respond well to exercise. That includes things like aerobics and yoga. In fact, one of our writers is currently taking yoga classes to help with a sore lower back. Be sure to pace yourself and understand your limits.

Now, it's important to test your range of motion before starting a new exercise so you don't aggravate an injury. In fact, sciatica may also signal issues with spinal discs, so a thorough exam is necessary.

Q: You recommend Truvia and Tru Via. You speak against stevia. You don't seem to understand that BOTH those products are made with stevia. – K.D.

A: As we explained in this issue, stevia, which goes by the brand names of Truvia and PureVia, is the only sweetener that your body breaks down like sugar. So it isn't as harmful as the other sugar substitutes. However, there is some evidence that it can lower blood pressure, which means folks on blood pressure medications should use it with caution. If you do need a sugar replacement, it's the only one we suggest using.

Keep in mind, that although this is the least awful of the bunch, overall we advise against any sweeteners. That's because all of them contribute to problems like inflammation, which can cause heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and more.

Keep sending your comments, questions, and requests to [email protected].

What We're Reading...

Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,

Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
April 27, 2018