Mahyar Okhovat, M.D.

Often called the ‘feel good hormone’, serotonin acts as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in our body. Low mood, depression, anxiety, and even autism are associated with altered serotonin levels. For all of its importance to mental wellbeing, you might expect that the brain is where we find most of the body’s serotonin, but it’s not. In fact, it is estimated that 90 percent of the body's serotonin is made in the digestive tract. Altered levels of serotonin have been l...inked to diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Eating foods that contain the essential amino acid known as tryptophan can help the body to produce more serotonin. Let me know if you want to learn the top 8 foods that boost serotonin ____________ #DrNeuroLA

Seafood is one of the best dietary sources of protein around Fish is a high-protein, low-fat food that provides a range of health benefits. White-fleshed fish, in particular, is lower in fat than any other source of animal protein, and oily fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, or the "good" fats. Since the human body can’t make significant amounts of these essential nutrients, fish are an important part of the diet. Also, fish are low in the "bad" fats commonly found in re...d meat, called omega-6 fatty acids. The omega-3s found in fish (EPA and DHA) appear to provide the greatest health benefits. #DidYouKnow that eating salmon twice a week is enough to cut your risk of heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke, high blood pressure, and triglycerides? Similar benefits come from eating other fish high in omega-3s, especially small baitfish such as sardines, herring, mackerel, trout, and anchovies. Tag someone who loves fish ____________ #DrNeuroLA

A silent killer According to a recent study from Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) dementia may be an underlying cause of nearly three times more deaths in the U.S. than official records show. Published in the journal JAMA Neurology, the study estimates that 13.6% of deaths are attributable to dementia, 2.7 times more than the 5.0% of death certificates that indicate dementia as an underlying cause of death. That's why it is so important to take care of our... mental health and avoid habits that may trigger dementia. ____________ #DrNeuroLA See more

A microsleep is defined as a very brief moment of sleep, usually lasts a few to several seconds. People who experience these episodes may doze off without realizing it. Some may have an episode in the middle of performing an important task. Not getting enough sleep, can lead to sleep deprivation and the experience of microsleep. Microsleep may also be a result of sleep apnea, more commonly known as snoring. To treat and prevent episodes of microsleep, it’s important that ...you get enough sleep at night. A healthy amount of sleep for adults can range from seven to nine hours. Making a few lifestyle adjustments and developing a sleep routine may improve the quality of your sleep. These may include: - Avoiding caffeine and liquids before bed, especially alcohol if you’re already tired - Turning off any surrounding lights or sounds - Avoiding stimulating activities before bed - Keeping your bedroom at a comfortable temperature ____________ #DrNeuroLA

When our immune system is working properly we hardly notice it, but when we have an under or over-active immune system, we are at a greater risk of developing infections or other health conditions. The good news is that these 10 antimicrobial, immune-stimulating and antiviral supplements, herbs and essential oils can be used at home to boost your immune health. Comment down below which is your favorite one! ... ____________ #DrNeuroLA See more