Weekly Health Quiz: Forever Chemicals in Medicines and Getting the Most of Your Supplements

1 Which household item can be a source of PFAS exposure?

• Nonstick cookware
  

  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be found in nonstick cookware, grease-resistant food packaging, stain-resistant products, waterproof clothing, and contaminated drinking water. Learn more.

• Cast-iron cookware
• Glass containers
• Wooden utensils

2 Which probiotic strain was highlighted for its potential heart-health benefits?

• Lactobacillus casei
• Bacillus subtilis
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
  

  A review published in Cureus evaluated 10 human studies and highlighted Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis for effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. Learn more.

• Saccharomyces boulardii

3 After PFAS-containing medicines are excreted, where can they enter the environment?

• Household air filters
• Wastewater systems
  

  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from medicines can enter wastewater after excretion and eventually reach rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Learn more.

• Your lawn and surrounding outdoor areas
• Soil fertilizers

4 Which type of exercise helps signal the body to preserve muscle during weight loss?

• Stretching exercises
• Resistance training
  

  Resistance training, including weights, bands, squats, and pushups, helps signal the body to maintain muscle during weight loss. Learn more.

• Breathing exercises
• Balance training

5 How many adults in the U.S. are affected by fatty liver disease today?

• Nearly 4 in 10
  

  Fatty liver disease affects nearly 4 in 10 adults in the U.S., making it a common metabolic health concern. Learn more.

• About 1 in 10
• Nearly 6 in 10
• About 8 in 10

6 Which type of fat became much more common in the modern food supply with the rise of seed oils?

• Monounsaturated fat
• Saturated fat
• Omega-3 fatty acid
• Linoleic acid (LA)
  

  Linoleic acid (LA) intake rose sharply as seed oils became widely used in packaged foods, restaurant meals, sauces, dressings, and fried foods. Learn more.

7 Which type of food is a common source of xanthan gum?

• Packaged processed foods
  

  Xanthan gum is commonly found in packaged foods such as sauces, salad dressings, gluten-free products, protein powders, frozen meals, and snacks. Learn more.

• Fresh whole fruits
• Plain cooked meats
• Fresh vegetables

8 Which antidepressant has been linked to more severe withdrawal symptoms after long-term use?

• Fluoxetine
• Sertraline
• Paroxetine
  

  Paroxetine has a shorter half-life, and shorter-acting antidepressants are generally associated with more frequent withdrawal symptoms than longer-acting drugs such as fluoxetine. Learn more.

• Escitalopram

9 At what age was smartphone ownership linked to higher risks of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep?

• 8
• 10
• 12
  

  Smartphone ownership at age 12 was associated with higher risks of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep, with earlier ownership linked to greater risk. Learn more.

• 15

10 Which supplement form can be mixed directly into food or beverages?

• Powder
  

  Powdered supplements can be stirred or sprinkled into foods and beverages, providing an alternative for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules. Learn more.

• Capsule
• Softgel
• Tablet

11 Which factor is not a driver of chronic inflammation?

• Endotoxins
• Cytotoxins
  

  Endotoxins, excess linoleic acid, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and electromagnetic fields are associated with chronic inflammatory signaling. Cytotoxins are not included among these drivers. Learn more.

• Excess linoleic acid (LA)
• Electromagnetic fields (EMFs)

12 Which vitamin deficiency is linked to a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis?

• Vitamin K
  

  Vitamin K helps activate proteins involved in bone mineralization and calcium use. Low vitamin K levels are associated with weaker bones and a higher fracture risk. Learn more.

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin E

13 Which type of training can help build muscle when heavy weights are not an option?

• Stretching exercises
• High-intensity interval training
• Long-distance walking
• Blood flow restriction training
  

  Blood flow restriction (BFR) training uses light resistance with specialized bands to stimulate muscle growth while placing less stress on the joints. Learn more.

14 Consumption of foods rich in what dietary component can help increase butyrate production?

• Protein
• Fiber
  

  Gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber to produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that helps fuel colon cells and support the gut barrier. Learn more.

• Saturated fat
• Cholesterol

15 Which brain change has been linked to alcohol consumption?

• Enlarged brain ventricles
• Increased gray matter
• Vascular brain lesions
  

  Alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of vascular brain lesions, with the risk increasing further among heavier drinkers. Learn more.

• Thicker cerebral cortex

16 Which home method can help loosen a small tonsil stone?

• Using a toothpick to get deep into the tonsils
• Gargling with warm salt water
  

  Gargling with warm salt water is one of the gentlest ways to loosen small tonsil stones without injuring the delicate tissue. Learn more.

• Scraping it with a sharp tool
• Pressing deeply into the tonsil

17 Which farming approach uses practices like rotational grazing and minimal soil disturbance to improve soil health?

• Conventional agriculture
• Monoculture farming
• Regenerative agriculture
  

  Regenerative agriculture uses practices that build soil organic matter, support biodiversity, improve water retention, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs. Learn more.

• Intensive organic operations

18 Which feeding option provides both nutrition and natural immune support?

• Pasteurized cow’s milk
• Soy-based infant formula
• Hydrolyzed infant formula
• Breast milk
  

  Breast milk provides nutrients along with antibodies and other components that support a baby’s developing immune system. Learn more.

19 What can make bowel movements easier while sitting on the toilet?

• Raising your knees above your hips
  

  Raising your knees above your hips creates a more natural squatting position, helping relax the muscles involved in passing stool. Learn more.

• Leaning far backward
• Keeping your feet flat and low
• Holding your breath

20 Which type of diet may interfere with healthy thyroid function?

• Low-carbohydrate diet
  

  Very low-carbohydrate and low-calorie eating patterns can affect thyroid hormone production and conversion, especially when energy intake is too low. Learn more.

• Mediterranean diet
• High-fiber diet
• Balanced whole-food diet

21 If fiber-rich foods upset your gut, which foods may be easier to start with?

• Beans and bran cereal
• White rice and whole fruits
  

  White rice and whole fruits are easier to digest and may be better tolerated while bloating, pain, or irregular bowel movements improve. Learn more.

• Raw vegetables and lentils
• Whole grains and nuts