Weekly Health Quiz: Butyrate and Your Brain, Avoiding Osteoporosis, Plus Prebiotics and Peptides

1Where does amyloid-beta build up first before reaching the brain?

• The liver
• The gut

  Research shows amyloid-beta first accumulates in the gut, where it damages nerve signaling before spreading to the brain. Learn more.

• The bloodstream
• The pancreas

2Aside from turmeric, which herb is known to support liver health?

• Basil
• Mint
• Parsley
• Milk thistle

  Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce liver inflammation and protect against cellular damage. Learn more.

3How does butyrate support communication between the gut and brain?

• It helps regulate signaling and reduces inflammation

  Butyrate supports gut-brain signaling, reduces inflammation, and helps maintain the blood-brain barrier, creating a stable environment for brain function. Learn more.

• It blocks all signals between the gut and brain
• It increases harmful substances entering the brain
• It slows down all nerve activity in the body to promote calmness

4If quitting cold turkey is not realistic, what is another effective way to stop vaping?

• Gradually reducing use without a plan
• Switching to lower-nicotine products only
• Avoiding vaping only during certain times
• Using structured cessation programs and support

  Evidence-based methods like counseling, brain stimulation with exercise, and structured cessation programs help people quit by providing support and a clear plan. Learn more.

5Aside from surgery, what steps can help manage pelvic floor disorders (PFDs)?

• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Kegel exercises
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• All of the above

  Pelvic floor therapy, Kegels, and lifestyle changes like avoiding heavy lifting all help improve symptoms of PFD. Speaking up and advocating for proper care is also key to getting effective treatment. Learn more.

6By how much does prolonged sitting increase heart failure risk?

• 20%
• 30%
• 45%

  Sitting more than 10.6 hours daily is linked to a 45% higher risk of heart failure, even in people who exercise regularly. Learn more.

• 62%

7Which amino acids help collagen peptides resist digestion?

• Glycine and alanine
• Proline and hydroxyproline

  Proline and hydroxyproline create a strong structure that makes collagen peptides harder to break down, allowing some to remain intact during digestion. Learn more.

• Lysine and arginine
• Valine and leucine

8Which vitamin helps maintain healthy oil balance in the scalp?

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A

  Vitamin A supports sebum production, the natural oil that keeps the scalp hydrated and prevents dryness, but excessive intake can be harmful. Learn more.

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E

9Darker green phlegm usually indicates what?

• A stronger immune response

  Green phlegm forms when white blood cells and enzymes build up in mucus during an immune response, not necessarily because the infection is more severe. Learn more.

• A more severe infection
• Dehydration in the body
• Poor oxygen levels

10Which part of the nervous system is affected by anticholinergic medications?

• Central nervous system
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Peripheral nervous system
• Parasympathetic nervous system

  Anticholinergic drugs block signals in the parasympathetic nervous system, which normally helps control heart rate, blood pressure, and other automatic functions. Learn more.

11How many days of eating ultraprocessed foods can disrupt brain function?

• 2 days
• 3 days
• 5 days

  Just five days of eating ultraprocessed foods can disrupt brain insulin signaling, and the effects may persist even after returning to a normal diet. Learn more.

• 10 days

12What is the key sign of sciatica?

• Pain that travels from the lower back down one leg

  Sciatica causes nerve pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg, often below the knee, sometimes with tingling or numbness. Learn more.

• Pain only in the upper back and shoulders
• Swelling in both knees at the same time
• Stiffness limited to the neck area

13Among these “healthy” foods, which one is highest in linoleic acid (LA)?

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Grass fed beef
• Nuts

  Nuts are high in linoleic acid. Other major sources of this fat include ultraprocessed foods, nuts, seeds, and conventionally raised meats. Learn more.

• Raw milk

14What is the name of the Japanese practice that helps improve leg strength?

• Tai chi
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Rei-ho

  Rei-ho is a Japanese practice using slow squats and controlled movements, shown to improve knee strength and support mobility and balance. Learn more.

15What makes a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “ministroke,” dangerous?

• Symptoms usually last longer than a full stroke and cause more severe, permanent brain damage
• One has no awareness how long it will last, and every second without oxygen puts brain tissue at risk

  A TIA briefly cuts off blood flow to the brain. Even short interruptions in oxygen can damage brain cells and signal a serious underlying problem. Learn more.

• It only affects older adults and rarely leads to serious complications later
• Symptoms always disappear without affecting long-term brain function

16Structurally speaking, Akkermansia muciniphila is classified as what?

• Postbiotic
• Probiotic
• Bacteria

  Akkermansia muciniphila is a beneficial gut bacterium. It is not a prebiotic or postbiotic, but it can produce helpful compounds that support gut health. Learn more.

• Prebiotic

17What is the liver condition characterized by harmful scarring?

• Fat accumulation
• Inflammation
• Fibrosis

  Fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue in the liver, disrupting function and increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even cancer. Learn more.

• Detoxification

18Which drink is a rich source of potassium?

• Coconut water

  Coconut water is naturally rich in potassium, making it a strong option for supporting electrolyte balance and hydration. Learn more.

• Oat milk
• Lemonade
• Diet soda

19How do bisphosphonates work in the body?

• They stimulate new bone formation directly
• They block osteoclasts that break down bone

  Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone, which helps preserve bone density and lower fracture risk. Learn more.

• They increase calcium absorption in the gut
• They reduce inflammation in the joints

20What is the underlying cause of prurigo nodularis, also known as itchy nodules?

• Bacterial skin infection
• Excess oxalates in the body

  Excess oxalates may accumulate in the body and trigger intense itching and skin nodules, contributing to prurigo nodularis symptoms. Learn more.

• Lack of vitamin C
• Poor blood circulation

21Which herb is rich in silica and may help detox aluminum from the body?

• Basil
• Parsley
• Mint
• Cilantro

  Cilantro is a silica-rich herb that may help reduce aluminum levels in the body. Other options include horsetail and silica supplements. Learn more.