GET SMART
THE FAMILY GROOVE PICKS THE BRAIN OF DR. DAVID PERLMUTTER, M.D., F.A.C.N.,
CO-AUTHOR OF RAISE A SMARTER CHILD BY KINDERGARTEN. ARE YOU READY TO WISE UP?

THE FAMILY GROOVE: What inspired you to write this book?
DR. DAVID PERLMUTTER: Parents have a brief but powerful opportunity to substantially affect their child's brain
performance and this has lifelong implications. We now know that certain specific steps parents can take will enhance
intelligence paving the way for succes

TFG:	What are the five most important things a parent can do to optimize his/her child's IQ?
DP:	1.	Breastfeed. Not only is this associated with at least an eight point IQ advantage but, in addition, breastfed children are much less likely to suffer from asthma, ADHD, ear infections, sleep disorders and behavioral disorders.
	2.	Start music lessons by age four years. Various studies confirm a significant IQ advantage in children having early musical exposure with enhanced problem solving skills, analytical skills and visual- spacial function.
	3.	Reduce television exposure. Early life TV exposure enhances risk for ADHD, aggressive behavior and obesity as well.
	4.	Early exposure to computers in several research studies has been associated with up to a 10 IQ point advantage compared to kids without this experience.
	5.	Make sure your child receives adequate DHA, an essential nutrient for brain development. Mother's milk is the richest source of this important brain fat. After breastfeeding, continue to provide DHA as a supplement and choose foods fortified with DHA.

TFG: Why is it so important to green your house (eliminate toxins in cleaners, weed killers, etc.)?
DP: Various household toxins from solvents to pesticides can inhibit brain development. In addition, many plastic products, including clear plastic baby bottles, may prove toxic as they may give of a potentially serious brain toxin, bisphenol-A.

TFG: In your book, you mention avoiding full fat milk. Why should parents opt for skim or non fat?
DP: Toxins in nonorganic milk are typically more concentrated in the fat portion. So higher fat milk contains more of the toxic burden parents should try to avoid.

TFG: What are the signs of mercury poisoning? Is the damage caused by mercury poisoning reversible?
DP: According to the CDC, more than 630,000 American children are exposed to toxic levels in utero. In addition, infants are exposed to mercury via contamination of mother's milk. The source of mercury contamination in both cases is typically fish consumption by the mother. Mercury toxicity robs children of IQ points and is associated with motor function abnormalities, including poor coordination.

TFG: Tell us about the link between antibiotics and ADHD.
DP: There is no question that children with frequent antibiotic exposure are at a higher risk for developing ADHD. What isn't clear is whether this is a direct relationship or a consequence of the type of infection (typically ear) for which the antibiotics are given. Simply stated, antibiotics are grossly overused in children and ADHD can be one of the consequences.

TFG: You talk about the importance of  children consuming enough iron in their diet. Can  iron be consumed in vitamin supplements or should it come strictly from food?
DP: Children often are less likely to consume iron rich foods. In addition, non breastfed kids are often iron deficient. I am therefore a strong advocate of iron supplementation in children.

TFG: Do you recommend children take omega oil supplements?
DP: Absolutely. The key is that these supplements need to contain the fat DHA and this is now available from vegetarian (non-fish) sources. Fortunately, in the spring of 2007, we will see cereals and breakfast bars in grocery stores nationwide enriched with vegetarian-sourced DHA.

TFG: What does every parent need to know about vaccinations and their effect on IQ potential?
DP: The key is to reduce the number of vaccines a child receives at any one doctor's visit. In Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten, we provide a unique schedule that accomplished this task while still conforming to CDC guidelines.

Click here to get your smart.

To learn more about Dr. David Perlmutter, go to www.perlhealth.com.