1.
Which of these are NOT risk factors for heart
disease?
Correct Answer
C. Marathon running & veganism
Explanation
As many of us know, there are many risk factors for heart disease that we can detect or predict. For a more complete discussion on heart disease, see Chapter 2: How to Keep Your Heart Beating. of Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever.
2.
Which of these factors could create a risk for
vitamin D deficiency?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
Smog, latitude, sunscreen and time of day all impact the amount of D3 your skin can make from the sun in any given period. Although vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, it can only be stored in the body for sixty days, increasing the risk of deficiency in climates with shorter summers and less daylight hours.
For news items on the effects of Vitamin D
3.
Healthy bacteria populations in your GI tract
may be reduced by which of the following except?
Correct Answer
A. Diets high in dairy products
Explanation
Probiotics, or "friendly bacteria," are used to promote healthy gastric function. Eating low-fat dairy products and fermented foods, or taking probiotic supplements support healthy populations of probiotics. Ray and Terry's Mega Probiotic contains Lactobacillus Acidophillus in a vegetarian formula to help digestion.
4.
Stress can result in elevated cortisol levels
and hormonal imbalances. What kind of diet is useful to help keep cortisol
production under control?
Correct Answer
B. Low-glycemic-load diet
Explanation
Cortisol raises sugar and sodium levels in the blood. But eating a low-glycemic-load, low-sugar diet, you can keep your cortisol production in check and help maintain a healthy hormonal balance. For more about the optimal diet, see Chapter 11: Nutrition of Ray & Terry's book Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever.
5.
Risk factors for metabolic syndrome include all
of the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
D. Heightened HDL cholesterol levels
Explanation
Low HDL or "good" cholesterol levels are a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, but higher levels of HDL cholesterol are considered healthy, provided that the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol is no higher than four. Increased blood pressure, abdominal circumference, blood sugar, or triglycerides are all risk factors for metabolic syndrome, and having one or two of these symptoms can double your risk of heart disease.
For specific tips on avoiding metabolic syndrome, see Ray & Terry's new book Transcend: 9 Steps to Living Well Forever.
6.
Lifestyle changes that help reduce
your risk of cancer include all of the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
B. Staying out of the sun completely
Explanation
Moderate sun exposure is beneficial and actually reduces the risk of several types of cancer. Your body synthesizes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, but also is involved in gene regulation, immune function, and helps prevents infections, heart disease and several types of cancer as well. We recommend getting about 15 minutes of sun exposure without the use of sunscreen during the hours before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM. At all other times when out in the sun for extended periods of time, cover up and use sunscreen on exposed skin.
7.
The risk of Alzheimer's disease may be increased
by a deficiency in which nutrient?
Correct Answer
D. Vitamin B12
Explanation
Studies indicate that deficiency in vitamin B12 may contribute to the risk for Alzheimer's disease.
8.
Ray & Terry recommend which of the following tests for
monitoring hormone balance? (choose 2 answers)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Cortisol testing
B. IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) testing
Explanation
Growth hormone injections are regarded by some doctors as an antiaging measure. Ray & Terry do not recommend GH injections. They do think monitoring your IGF-1 levels are a better indication of the levels of growth hormone in the body. If your result is under 77, we recommend consulting with your doctor and an endocrinologist to discuss GH therapy. Cortisol, the main stress hormone, testing is also important and levels should be monitored.
9.
Inflammation underlies many major diseases. Which substance
is made in the liver and indicates the amount of inflammation in the body?
Correct Answer
C. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Explanation
Elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in the body indicate a higher risk for cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's diseases. CRP levels of 3 or higher are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.