This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, Birch Living, and Our Place.
Autism rates have increased fivefold over the past twenty years. While much remains unknown about how children develop autism, research suggests that the rise in cases may not be explained by increased diagnoses alone. Today’s guest takes us on a deep dive into autism and shares his proposals for reducing these rates.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Jeff Zadeh for a deep dive into autism and the research he’s uncovered on key strategies that may reduce the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with autism. While Dr. Jeff acknowledges that much remains unknown about why some children are on the autism spectrum, he highlights the top nutrients and vitamins women should focus on before pregnancy to help lower the risk. From dosages to deficiencies, Dr. Jeff breaks down what the research shows so far. He also shares his personal journey with his son’s diagnosis and what inspired him to begin exploring this topic in depth.
Dr. Jeff Zadeh, a board-certified internist with nearly 30 years of experience, founded Dallas Medical Specialists in 2005 and later moved his practice to rural North Texas, where he serves as a hospitalist, trauma director, and emergency physician. After his oldest son was diagnosed with autism, he discovered research suggesting many cases may be preventable through prenatal counseling, yet most physicians were unaware of it. Inspired by this and the work of Dr. David Berger, he wrote Autism Prevention 5 Days a Week to share simple, evidence-based prevention strategies in accessible language.
In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Zadeh dive into:
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Dr. Zadeh’s personal journey with his son’s autism diagnosis (00:55)
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Dr. Zadeh’s medical background and the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis (8:50)
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The importance of supplementation before conception (27:32)
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What to look for in prenatal vitamins (45:27)
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The 5-day-a-week proposal and the studies behind it (49:55)
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Maintaining sufficient iron levels in women (1:06:33)
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Why checking thyroid levels before pregnancy is essential (1:15:21)
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Environmental toxin exposures affecting pregnancy (1:15:26)
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The risks of taking Tylenol during pregnancy (1:27:23)
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The connection between celiac disease and autism (1:31:35)
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How increasing DHA omega-3 and vitamin D intake may lower the risk of autism (1:35:32)
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The role of choline in autism prevention (1:51:12)
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Key factors we should pay attention to (1:54:47)
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Dr. Zadeh’s reflections as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum (2:00:20)
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Final thoughts and takeaways (2:07:30)
Also mentioned in this episode:
For more on Dr. Zadeh, follow him on X/Twitter and visit his Website.
This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, Birch Living, and Our Place.
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