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Brain Teaser Nutrition Quiz
by Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, DACBN Head To Toe Chiropractic Clinic, PLLC; Minneapolis
Take this nutrition quiz and see how you score! (Answers below)
- How much fat is the brain made up of?
- One can get the entire minimum Recommended Dietary Intake of nutrients in the average 2000-calorie diet on a daily basis.
True or False
- Dry, rough, cracked and/or dirty looking elbows and knees may be associated with what dysfunctioning endocrine organ?
- A lack of taste or smell may be a sign of a nutritional deficiency.
True or False
- Ear wax build up can be caused by
- Bathing inadequately
- Putting Q-tips in one’s ears
- Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency
- Shampooing one’s hair
- Craving sweets may be associated with
- Thyroid disorders
- Neurotransmitters imbalances
- Digestive disorders
- Blood sugar disorders
- All of the above
- It is now estimated that three-fourths of the population is Vitamin D insufficient.
True or False
- Breakfast is not the most important meal of the day.
True or False
- Various nutritional supplements have been found to be at least equally effective or even better than anti-depressants for improving mild depression.
True or False
- Cracks or fissures on the tongue and cracks at the corner of the mouth may be associated with B Vitamin deficiencies.
True or False
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Answer Key
1. C. The brain is the fattiest organ in our body and requires regular intake of good oils and fats to stay healthy. The single best oil/fat for the brain is DHA. DHA must be obtained by eating certain fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines) or by certain plants (flax oil and walnuts). Plant sources require a conversion to DHA and do not always work well. Therefore if one is not eating fish, one’s diet should be supplemented with DHA. Without adequate DHA, one is prone to depression and other mood and cognitive disorders.
2. False. It has been reported in JAMA,most recently in 2005, that it is impossible to get even all of the minimum nutritional requirements on a daily basis to prevent serious disease. It is therefore recommended to use a high quality multiple mineral and multiple vitamin product for general health. It is even more important to have excellent clinical nutrition when one is dealing with an illness or wear and tear.
3. The Thyroid. A sluggish thyroid gland or hypothyroidism has many signs. This is one of the signs. Symptoms of low thyroid function also include depression, fatigue, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, dry skin, hair loss, and cravings for sweets.
4. True. A lack of zinc will cause one to lose taste and smell sensations. Often there will be an increase in foot or body odor at the same time. Zinc is highly critical for the production of BDNF, (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) a substance that helps the brain maintain its plasticity or ability to repair. Zinc is frequently deficient in depressive disorders.
5. True. Ear wax build up can be a sign of essential fatty acid deficiencies. There are several types of EFAs, however DHA (fish oil) is the one needed the most. See Question #1 for more info.
6. E. Cravings for sweets may be associated with one or all of the disorders or imbalances. Therefore it is an important clue to be looked at by someone with more in-depth nutritional healthcare knowledge and skills.
7. True. This was recently reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine March 23, 2009. Vitamin D is involved with multiple mechanisms in the human body. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with depression and anxiety disorders.
8. False. Breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day. A good breakfast consisting of high amounts of protein, some good fats, and some carbohydrates, e.g. egg, toast, and fruit, sets the metabolic tone for the day. It also determines the level of blood sugar going into the brain. Poor blood sugar control has serious effects on neurological health, and worsens cognitive and emotional difficulties and disorders.
9. True. Various nutritional supplements, i.e. SAMe, 5 HTP, and St John’s Wort have indeed been shown to be an effective and even better treatment in many cases for mild to moderate depression as opposed to medications and without the side effects.
10.True. Cracks or fissures on the tongue may be indicative of Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency. Cracks at the corner of the mouth are associated with Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency. Deficiencies of both B vitamins are also implicated in mood and cognitive disorders.
Scoring
0-3 correct. Great Effort! Keep on reading and you will catch up on some great information.
4-6 correct. You have been reading up on your nutrition. Great job and keep on reading!
7-9 correct. That’s terrific! You have been putting in overtime work on reading and learning.
10 correct. Perfect score. You should teach on this subject!
You can read more about nutrition and health in the articles
Depression—Did You Know? and
Practical Ways to Combat Depression
From the office of:
Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, DACBN
Head To Toe Chiropractic Clinic, PLLC
224 West Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-616-5452
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