Weekly Health Quiz: Dental Amalgam Facts and Undiagnosed Kidney Damage

1 Which of these statements about mercury is false?

• It is a heavy metal
• It can release vapors
• It can reach the brain and kidneys
• It has a copper-like appearance
  

  Mercury is described as a toxic, highly vaporous heavy metal that can reach the brain, kidneys, placenta, and breastmilk. Learn more.

2 What treatments are commonly used to manage autoimmune conditions?

• Antibiotics and antivirals
• Steroids and immunosuppressants
  

  Conventional treatment often uses steroids and immunosuppressants to reduce immune activity and control autoimmune symptoms. Learn more.

• Antacids and pain relievers
• Hormones and blood thinners

3 Why do some people have limited access to nonmercury dental fillings?

• Some dental offices continue using mercury because of lower treatment costs
• Certain dental plans provide fewer options for alternative filling materials
• Some insurance and government programs still favor mercury fillings
  

  Some people have fewer choices because certain insurance plans, government programs, and institutions continue to favor mercury amalgam fillings. Learn more.

• Limited coverage can make nonmercury fillings harder for patients to access

4 Where does high blood pressure place constant stress in the kidneys?

• Tiny blood vessels that filter waste
  

  Ongoing pressure can damage the kidneys’ filtering system, making it harder to remove waste and control fluid balance. Learn more.

• Large arteries that supply minor calyx
• Nerves that control the bladder
• Muscles surrounding the kidneys

5 Which sweetener is commonly used in sodas and energy drinks?

• Agave nectar (AN)
• Brown rice syrup (BRS)
• Evaporated cane juice (ECJ)
• High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
  

  High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common refined sweetener in sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, fruit punches, and sweetened lemonades. Learn more.

6 How often does a heart attack occur in the United States?

• Every 20 seconds
• Every 40 seconds
  

  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a heart attack occurs about every 40 seconds, totaling roughly 805,000 cases each year. Learn more.

• Every 60 seconds
• Every 90 seconds

7 Which mineral can become harder to absorb after taking a large dose?

• Iron
  

  A large dose of iron raises hepcidin, a hormone that temporarily limits how much iron the body absorbs from later doses. Learn more.

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Zinc

8 Which common type of oil is rich in linoleic acid (LA)?

• Coconut oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Vegetable oil
  

  Vegetable oils are a major source of linoleic acid (LA), a polyunsaturated fat that may interfere with mitochondrial energy production when consumed in excess. Learn more.

• Avocado oil

9 How much of a conventional chicken’s weight may come from injected liquid and additives?

• 5%
• 10%
• 15%
  

  Some conventional chickens are injected with water, salt, and phosphates, so consumers may be paying for added liquid rather than actual meat. Learn more.

• 20%

10 Which material can dentists use as a mercury-free alternative to dental amalgam?

• Stainless steel
• Gold alloy
• Elemental silver
• Composite resin
  

  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) names composite resins and glass ionomer cements as nonmercury filling options that may be used when appropriate. Learn more.

11 What metabolic problem is linked to low vitamin D levels?

• Low blood pressure
• Iron deficiency
• Insulin resistance
  

  Low vitamin D was linked to higher insulin resistance, which may worsen fatty liver disease and related problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Learn more.

• Stroke

12 About how many tramadol prescriptions are written each year in the U.S.?

• 10 million
• 30 million
  

  Tramadol is one of the most commonly prescribed pain medications in the U.S., with more than 30 million prescriptions written each year. Learn more.

• 50 million
• 70 million

13 Which food can help support natural butyrate production?

• White bread
• Fried potatoes
• Processed cereal
• Green bananas
  

  Green bananas provide resistant starch, which reaches the colon and helps feed beneficial bacteria involved in butyrate production. Learn more.

14 What dangerous condition can some antidepressants cause by lowering blood sodium?

• Hyperkalemia
• Hyponatremia
  

  Hyponatremia is a dangerous drop in blood sodium that can affect nerves and muscles, causing confusion, fainting, or seizures in severe cases. Learn more.

• Hyperglycemia
• Hypocalcemia

15 What may speed up bone breakdown and lower bone density?

• High serotonin levels
  

  Higher serotonin levels outside the brain may send stress signals to bone tissue, causing bone to break down faster over time. Learn more.

• Normal calcium levels
• Regular strength training
• Consistent meal timing

16 What toxic byproduct forms when the body breaks down alcohol?

• Formaldehyde
• Acetone
• Acetaldehyde
  

  Acetaldehyde can damage DNA, increasing the chance that abnormal cells develop and contribute to cancer over time. Learn more.

• Ethylene glycol

17 Which statement is not true about circadian syndrome (CircS)?

• It is linked to sleep and metabolic problems
• It may raise the risk of early death
• Irregular schedules can disrupt the body clock
• Nighttime screen use helps restore circadian rhythm
  

  Nighttime screens and artificial light can disrupt the body’s internal clock. Morning sunlight, regular movement, and consistent routines may help support a healthier circadian rhythm. Learn more.

18 What is the brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter?

• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• Glutamate
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
  

  Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) helps slow excessive nerve activity, supporting relaxation, calmness, and sleep. Learn more.

19 What simple step can help prevent Campylobacter from spreading in the kitchen?

• Use a separate cutting board for raw poultry
  

  Keeping raw poultry separate helps prevent bacteria from spreading to hands, counters, utensils, and foods that may not be cooked. Learn more.

• Rinse raw chicken in the kitchen sink
• Leave raw chicken uncovered on the counter
• Use the same knife for chicken and salad

20 What role does hydrogen-rich water perform in the body?

• A stimulant for faster muscle contractions
• A selective antioxidant
  

  Hydrogen-rich water contains molecular hydrogen (H₂), which helps neutralize harmful free radicals while supporting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. Learn more.

• A replacement for regular, filtered water
• A quick fix for food cravings

21 Which vitamin may improve the absorption and delivery of progesterone?

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
  

  Vitamin E can improve progesterone bioavailability and help carry it through the body by binding with red blood cells. Learn more.

• Vitamin K