Ask Doc My analysts couldn't believe it... and their shocked faces at my revelation had me chuckling.
The story began decades ago...
Our Baby Boomer readers likely remember the energy crises of the 1970s.
The first began in 1973. Oil prices skyrocketed when OPEC raised the price of crude oil 70% and imposed a trade embargo on the U.S. Folks would line up for hours at gas stations. If they were lucky, they'd get a few gallons, but many would be turned away once the gas had run out.
President Richard Nixon urged Americans to lower their thermostats by 6 degrees to limit energy usage. And he announced "Project Independence," a program meant to end the U.S.'s dependence on foreign energy imports.
We saw a similar situation in 1979 when oil exports from the Middle East plummeted after the Iranian revolution.
So countries around the world decided it was time to end their reliance on oil and look for more sustainable ways to generate power – largely through solar and wind energy.
At the time, these industries were where you wanted to invest. I, like many others, was convinced solar energy was the future. Homes and businesses around the country would use solar panels for their energy needs instead of oil.
I was all in. And I threw my money into a single solar-energy innovator in Colorado. It's one of the biggest losers I ever invested in. And my investment thesis was dead wrong... Today, solar energy only accounts for about 3% of the total energy supply in the U.S.
My researchers couldn't believe I had bet so much on the future of one company. And now, after decades of experience in the stock market, I can hardly believe it myself. I broke several of my own investing rules, like proper diversification and not following the herd. But it was a good lesson to learn early in life.
Not everyone can afford this kind of lesson, though. Losing thousands of dollars could ruin a lot of folks.
According to Wall Street legend Marc Chaikin, there's a major financial reset on the horizon. And as it plays out, it'll be critical to move your money out of cash and popular stocks... and into an opportunity with the potential to double, triple, or even quadruple your money.
Marc recently went live with his presentation. If you didn't get the chance to hear what Marc had to say, you can access all the details here.
Now, let's get into some of what has been in our inbox. As always, keep sending your comments, questions, and topic suggestions to [email protected]. We read every e-mail.
Q: I read, with interest in the Health & Wealth Bulletin, that major corporations use harmful/non-beneficial yogurt cultures in their yogurt for cost reasons. That makes sense to me. What I would like to know is what are the beneficial/healthier cultures to look for when I want to eat yogurt? That would be extremely helpful, as yogurt is an ingredient in several dishes I enjoy that are otherwise healthy. – D.C.
A: Thanks for your question, D.C.
We love the science of pre, pro, and postbiotics. And food is a great place to get these important bacteria. Here are some of the top probiotic strains and their benefits:
- Bifidobacterium lactis – This strain supports your immune system and can help improve respiratory illnesses. It can be found in foods like yogurt and in pickled veggies like sauerkraut and kimchi. This is one of the three most widely researched forms of probiotic.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus – This strain also supports your immune system, mood, and seasonal allergies. It can be found in dairy foods like kefir and yogurt. It also occurs in kimchi, miso, tempeh, and sauerkraut.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum – This strain keeps harmful pathogens from entering our bloodstream and making us sick. It's found in yogurt, as well as cured meats, some wines, buttermilk, sourdough bread, and some vinegars.
- Lactobacillus gasseri – One of the most studied strains, it helps with irritable bowel syndrome and similar digestive problems. You can find it in fermented dairy foods like yogurt and cheese.
- Ligilactobacillus salivarius – This strain helps maintain good oral health, controls cholesterol levels, relieves allergy symptoms, and boosts the overall immune system. It is found in yogurt, tomatoes, bananas, chicory root, artichokes, garlic, and asparagus.
In terms of your probiotic having a positive effect on you, it depends on whether it even reaches your gut at all. When choosing a yogurt, check that the label says: "contains live cultures."
Don't buy stuff that says "made with live cultures" or "heat treated"... Manufacturers pasteurize these products. That means the heat kills the cultures... and you get none of the benefits.
And look for yogurts with multiple probiotic strains. Some yogurts – like Activia – will list the active cultures that they contain. But many yogurts don't list the strains at all. They simply mention containing "live cultures."
Do what I do and eat your yogurt in the morning with some fresh fruit. I love to dump a cup of blueberries or strawberries into my morning yogurt. I'll even add it to my fruity oatmeal for a very filling and satisfying morning meal.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? This is the sector every investor should own.
- Something different: How obesity permanently damages your brain.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
June 16, 2023
P.S. Our offices are closed next Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Expect your next Health & Wealth Bulletin issue on Tuesday, June 20.