Ask Doc If you're like most folks, your retirement nest egg is probably smaller today than it was a few months ago...
The S&P 500 Index is down about 20% from the start of the year.
But if you look at your statement this month and kick yourself for losing that money... or think, "If only I had sold"... you're making a huge mistake.
In fact, you likely couldn't do better even if you were a perfect investor.
Market corrections like this are normal.
History shows that riding out the market is the best thing to do... because you don't know what the market's going to do next.
And then, while you're deciding when it's "safe" to buy back in, the market will rise without you...
Selling in a panic rarely pays off. Don't do it.
Right now, investors are panicking over rising inflation... a looming recession... a devastating stock sell-off... and the Federal Reserve's big interest-rate hike on Wednesday.
Instead of panicking, I want you to see opportunities...
Last night, two investing legends went on camera and detailed the exact steps to take with your money right now.
They revealed a shocking new market prediction that will trigger both huge gains AND even more losses – depending on which side you're on.
They also gave away four stock recommendations, including two stocks they currently rate as "buys." Plus, they unveiled two widely held stocks they say could fall to zero in the coming weeks.
If you weren't able to attend last night, click here to watch the full replay.
Now, here are some of the things on your minds this week... Keep sending your comments, questions, and topic suggestions to [email protected]. We read every e-mail.
Q: Does pomegranate juice interact with prescription drugs like grapefruit juice does? – M.J.B.
A: When it comes to fruit juice and drug interactions, the most widely known (and researched) is grapefruit juice.
Here's what we know about why...
When you take some types of pills, your body produces enzymes called CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 (pronounced "sip three A four" and "sip two C nine") that break down the drugs and help them get into your bloodstream gradually.
Grapefruits contain natural chemicals called furanocoumarins that block these enzymes from metabolizing the drugs. So instead of absorbing your medicine a little at a time over a few hours... you could get a rush of the medicine too quickly.
Medicines for high blood pressure (like Norvasc) and high cholesterol (like Lipitor) are among the most common pills where grapefruit accelerates absorption.
If you have sinus trouble, mixing drugs like Allegra with grapefruit juice has the opposite effect. Grapefruit actually prevents the drugs from being absorbed, making them less effective.
Preliminary studies show pomegranate juice could cause similar problems, but so far, the only studies where we've seen this happen involve animal test subjects. Human studies show no meaningful interactions occurring when you drink pomegranate juice and take medications. But some research shows pomegranate juice lowers your blood pressure, so if you take statins, be wary of drinking pomegranate juice.
The problem of bad drug interactions isn't limited to grapefruit, of course... Many drugs (including vitamins and supplements) can have dangerous interactions and reduce your medications' effectiveness. If you take more than one, be sure all of your doctors know the full list of medications you're taking. That's the only way they can catch any possible interactions.
You can also check interactions on your own (including things like grapefruit juice) through websites like RxList and Medscape. Type in the names of each of your medications, supplements, even certain foods you commonly eat, and check the interactions. If you experience any troubling health symptoms, print out the list and question your doctor or pharmacist about it.
Q: One question that comes up in my mind – most of us have boxes of unused tea bags sitting around that have been in the pantry or a drawer for a while. Does regular, good old black or green tea in those small bags have a shelf life?
Good intentions brought the tea bags into the house, but a lifelong appreciation for that a cup of coffee (dare I say addiction?) has kept the tea in hiding for a while. – J.S.
A: Our advice... check the age of your teabags. One study published in 2020 in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that teabags of black, green, and white tea only pack their full antioxidant punch for up to about 120 days after packaging. After that, the amount of flavonoids (what gives tea most of its health benefits) decreases until after a year when there isn't much left. The tea is still safe to drink, but you just won't get all the benefits.
The best way to keep your tea higher in antioxidants for longer is to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? Fund managers aren't really worried about beating the market, but they are terrified right now.
- Something different: Home sales fell for the seventh month in a row.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
September 23, 2022