How to Raise GABA (Gamma-amino-butyric acid) in the Brain by Natural Means

[Answering M.F.’s questions: You recently stressed that I need to increase the levels of GABA in my body to help with my persistent anxiety. Are there natural ways to do this through specific foods or even drinks, such as loose leaf tea (due to its precursor l-theanine)?]

Background: As a general rule, in promoting health I like to stay as close as possible to letting and assisting the body in building its own enzymes, hormones, different substances via its own machinery because of my fear of disrupting the body’s magnificent equilibrium. This fear encompasses different issues of feedback mechanisms, rate limiting steps, dependency issues, etc.

Without further ado: GABA (Gamma-amino-butyric acid) functions in brain tissue as an inhibitory neurotransmitter by altering transmembrane potential differences. Throughout the adult brain, where scientists have mostly studied the roles of glutamate and GABA, it has been established that both amino acids function primarily as signals transmitted between cells. Most of the cells transmitting either glutamate or GABA signals are neurons. After release, GABA diffuses a very short distance and binds to receptor proteins on the surface of the target neuron, which are specialized for sensing either GABA or glutamate via either glutamatergic or GABA receptors. GABA subsequently will be taken up, or transported out by carrier proteins. The uptake process requires energy and involves co-transport of GABA, which is neutral at physiological pH, together with two sodium ions and one chloride ion.[3],[5] The result of GABA stimulation of GABA receptors specifically serves to retard the stimulatory effects of glutamate throughout the brain.

Why is it important for anxiety? All anxiogenic agents act on the GABA-A receptor/chloride ion channel complex, implicating this neurotransmitter system in the pathogenesis of anxiety and panic attacks.[7] As such increasing GABA availability, and or increasing the efficiency/effect of, or sensitivity of GABA receptors should help alleviate the feelings of anxiety.

How to promote its availability: GABA (Gamma-amino-butyric acid) can be formed from glutamic acid in the presence of pyridoxal phosphate[1]  (as a cofactor for glutamic acid decarboxylase – GAD).[2] The pyridoxal phosphate arises from vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Therefore availability of B6 is necessary. Don't overdo. Too much B6 has neurotoxic effects. 10 mg per day is easily sufficient. Other factors that may promote healthy GABA metabolism would be physiological levels of sodium and chloride (salt), in an ample fluid medium. Practical translation: sufficient salt and water intake. Lyte-Hydrate well.

Valerian raises GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) activity[4] which may raise GABA (Gamma-amino-butyric acid) in the neuronal tissues which should have a calming effect. The extract also contains GABA[8] which may have a direct impact on GABA receptors.

Make sure the building block of GABA is available (glutamic acid): All meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and kombu are excellent sources of glutamic acid. Some protein-rich plant foods also serve as sources.[1]

To my knowledge only certain pharmaceuticals (such as phenobarbitone) function as a GABA receptor modulator which enhances the target function of said receptors.

Theanine: is an amino acid present in green tea which appears to have stimulatory effects and inhibitory effects on glutamic acid. For calming one would desire the inhibitory effect. How it works seems unclear to date (5-28-12). As such I would think it would be okay to use although in this case it is functioning more as a pharmaceutical agent and not as a building block. Theanine is similar in molecular structure to glutamic acid and hence could be ‘pressuring’ glutamic acid and causing it to be more available for transforming into GABA. Here I am theorizing. Then again it could be occupying glutamatergic receptors without causing the usual excitatory activity which glutamic acid usually results in. Here I am theorizing again.

References:

[1] Rodwell VW. Chapter 30. Conversion of Amino Acids to Specialized Products. In: Bender DA, Botham KM, Weil PA, Kennelly PJ, Murray RK, Rodwell VW, eds. Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry. 29th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2011. http://0-www.accessmedicine.com.library.ccf.org

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamate_decarboxylase

[3] GABA as a Neurotransmitter and Neurogenic Signal - eLS - Barker - Wiley Online Library . http://0-onlinelibrary.wiley.com.library.ccf.org/doi/10.1038/npg.els.0000121/full. Accessed 5/13/2012 2012.

[4] R Awad, D Levac, P Cybulska, Z Merali, VL Trudeau, JT Arnason (2007) Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system Can J Physiol Pharmacol 85: 933-942. Doi:10.1139/Y07-083.

[5] Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors - eLS - Lindstrom - Wiley Online Library . http://0-onlinelibrary.wiley.com.library.ccf.org/doi/10.1002/9780470015902.a0000245.pub2/full. Accessed 5/20/2012 2012.

[6] Russek, S. J. 2006. γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Receptors. eLS.

[7] Reus VI. Chapter 391. Mental Disorders. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 18th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012. http://0-www.accessmedicine.com.library.ccf.org/content.aspx?aID=9112222. Accessed May 27, 2012.

[8] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_%28herb%29#Biochemical_composition

Why I'm a Fan of Copper

[Answering M.F.’s questions: What is the importance of taking copper? Should everyone be taking 2mg of this supplement daily, separate from a multivitamin? Or does this apply only to a specific group of individuals? Also, is there an advantage to taking either the citrate or glycinate form in terms of absorption?]

What is the importance of taking copper? Copper is an integral part of numerous enzyme systems, including amine oxidases, ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin), cytochrome-c oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and dopamine hydroxylase. Copper is also a component of ferroprotein, a transport protein involved in the basolateral transfer of iron during absorption from the intestine. As such, copper plays a role in iron metabolism (important for blood formation), melanin synthesis (important for skin color), energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and nervous system function; the synthesis and cross-linking of elastin and collagen; and the scavenging of superoxide radicals.[1]

From my viewpoint, the most important aspects are for the insurance of presence of sufficient quantities of copper for the cross linking of elastin and collagen and the dopamine hydroxylase.

The cross linking of elastin and collagen is of immediate importance in the health of bones, joints, tendons, skin and hair among other things. Of paramount importance though is the dopamine hydroxylase. This is because this enzyme is necessary for the hydroxylation of dopamine to noradrenalin which is the precursor to adrenalin.[2] I consider adrenalin to be of supreme importance for health when generated physiologically naturally. Of note here is that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a cofactor for the hydroxylation of dopamine to noradrenalin.

Don't take more than the recommended 2-3 mg daily, as at higher levels toxicity may ensue. (More isn't better). 10 mg intake can be dangerous.[1] See table:

Deficiencies and Toxicities of Metals - from Harrison's Online via AccessMedicine

It has been seen that copper did have a positive impact on HDL (the cardioprotective cholesterol) and did lower oxidized LDL values. This last is the type that tends to form the clogging cholesterol within the walls of blood vessels (specifically arteries). The study showing this was somewhat short for my taste and wasn’t consistent in its results but the logical tie-in to the heart protective factors is solid.[3] This study used the glycinate form of copper.

Another study shows that patients suffering from diabetes mellitus have lower levels of copper in their serum compared to control patients.[4] Again the tie-in here is logical.

Should everyone be taking 2mg of this supplement daily, separate from a multivitamin? Individuals whose nutrition is deficient or low in copper intake should take a separate supplement. Dietary sources of copper include shellfish, liver, nuts, legumes, bran, and organ meats. For myself I prefer not to take a chance on not getting enough of this essential mineral and hence take it anyway separate from the copper from other sources. By taking it separately as a 2 mg pill/capsule in addition to a usual 2 mg in the multivitamin tablet then we cap at 4 mg per day plus nutritional sources. We stay well below the 10 mg/day toxic level.

Is there an advantage to taking either the citrate or glycinate form in terms of absorption? It would appear that, at least in animals the glycinate form will provide superior bioavailability of the nutrient, compared to the citrate. That being said I personally take the citrate form as I also take a multivitamin tablet three times weekly, in addition to regular food intake.[5]

References:

[1] SP Russell RM (2012) Chapter 74. Vitamin and Trace Mineral Deficiency and Excess. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J, eds. (ed), Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 18th ed. edn., McGraw-Hill, New York, pp http://0-www.accessmedicine.com.library.ccf.org/content.aspx?aID=9099706.

[2] Molina PE. Chapter 6. Adrenal Gland. In: Molina PE, ed. Endocrine Physiology. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://0-www.accessmedicine.com.library.ccf.org/content.aspx?aID=6169718. Accessed April 29, 2012.

[3] RA Disilvestro, EL Joseph, W Zhang, AE Raimo, YM Kim (2012) A randomized trial of copper supplementation effects on blood copper enzyme activities and parameters related to cardiovascular health Metabolism Doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2012.02.002.

[4] M Basaki, M Saeb, S Nazifi, HA Shamsaei (2012) Zinc, Copper, Iron, and Chromium Concentrations in Young Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Biol Trace Elem Res Doi:10.1007/s12011-012-9360-6.

[5] Ammerman CB, Baker DH. Bioavailability of Nutrients for Animals: Amino Acids, Minerals, Vitamins. Chapter 7. Copper Bioavailability. Pp. 127-156. Link.

Chapter 10: Depression

Opinion: It is time to relegate Freudian theories to the museum and to realize that emotions, feelings, mood and thinking are results of organic processes in the body and brain interacting with the environment. Healthy organic processes can handle bad memories.

We have repeatedly heard that depression is due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain without specification of those chemicals and why they even became imbalanced. I will outline to you what I think is amiss and how to prevent and alleviate the condition of depression.
By not following The Pillars described in previous chapters, we run the risk of not having certain chemicals in our brains in sufficient amounts to function correctly. Specifically these chemical deficiencies are those, which are responsible for thinking, memory, feeling happy, libido, good sleeping and just overall energy. To name the main players I will mention serotonin, endorphins, TRH, GABA, adrenaline and thyroxin. Cortisol is also a player but I think that in depression it gets produced in a chaotic excess pattern more than that it is in a deficient state. So depression can ensue by not having good nutrition (vitamins included), not having enough physical activity, not sleeping regularly and not avoiding harmful substances, or a combination in varying degrees of some or all of the above.
Stress is another player that I would like to talk a little about. If a person is healthy and gets exposed to severe acute emotional stress then their reserves of the chemicals mentioned above will be drawn upon and they will be able to withstand the onslaught and not develop depression. But, if the stress is long enough, the reserves will be depleted and the depression syndrome will develop. On the other hand an unhealthy person can develop depression even without emotional stresses.
Another factor is that people who have abused their bodies with harmful substances which shut down the body’s own “machinery” for producing the chemicals above, will be much more likely to develop depression. An example of this is people who have been addicted to narcotics will have deconditioned endorphin-producing tissue. This will of course predispose them to depression but the degree of predisposition will vary with how much and how long they were addicted. Alcohol will hurt the body in a similar way. In general my advice for curing the common form of depression is to apply The Pillars Of Health judiciously and use antidepressant medicines temporarily as a helping tool. Once reasonable improvement has occurred then the antidepressants may be weaned off.
Supplements of 5-HTP, and tyrosine are beneficial in this context and will assist above curing process and assist the onboard antidepressant by supplying the building blocks for serotonin in the instance of 5-HTP, and adrenaline and noradrenaline in the instance of tyrosine. This must be done under your doctor’s supervision.

Does light or sunlight play a role in depression?

Light, especially sunlight definitely plays a role and this becomes most evident in the condition of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The importance of light as a corrective treatment in SAD, with results superior to placebo has been established.[1]

What appears to happen in SAD, is production of the neurotransmitter serotonin is disrupted. It has been seen that the turnover (production and metabolism) of serotonin by the brain was lowest in winter, and more significantly the rate of production of serotonin by the brain was directly related to the prevailing duration of bright sunlight. The production rose rapidly with increased light intensity.[2] In a situation of lower production of brain serotonin then we can anticipate the presence of depressive symptoms of tiredness, dejectedness, appetite changes (possibly anorexia or maybe increased desire for carbohydrates) and so on.

I don't believe vitamin D plays a major role in SAD, although I would anticipate it may have a minor one, by virtue of its importance in calcium and phosphate absorption. It has been seen to have a positive impact on depression.[3] This stance should not be interpreted as belittling the role of vitamin D in health as I am a big proponent of its supplementation into our diets.

[Rev.1/2/2012]

References:

[1] B Byrne, GC Brainard (2008) Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Therapy Sleep Medicine Clinics 3: 307 - 315. Doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2008.01.012.

[2] G Lambert, C Reid, D Kaye, G Jennings, M Esler (2002) Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain The Lancet 360: 1840 - 1842. Doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(02)11737-5.

[3] Women's mental health: depression and anxiety. Nursing Clinics of North America - Volume 44, Issue 3 (September 2009)

How to Raise Your Cardioprotective HDL [Rev. 12-22-11, 04-18-12, 05-17-16]

Note: Revisions or additions are in red  font.

What is HDL?

HDL stands for high density lipoprotein and its importance in being a key player in preventing atherosclerosis (artery clogging) is more and more evident.[1],[16] It has even been seen that when LDL, (the ‘bad' or 'lousy' cholesterol), is very low, it is the HDL which is the deciding parameter on whether or not heart attacks (and other events) occur.[2] I, for one, am very insistent with my patients in raising this factor.

How does it work?

HDL promotes the mobilization and clearance of excess cholesterol via the series of reactions collectively termed ‘‘reverse cholesterol transport.’’[3] This is where cholesterol in the wall of the artery (and elsewhere) is removed before it is incorporated into the wall (or elsewhere) pathologically and irreversibly (it is a normal/natural constituent of cell structures and substances). Another mechanism cited is that HDL possesses many antioxidant capabilities, and thereby pre-empting the oxidation reactions inherent in development of atherosclerosis.[3] Another mechanism is HDL stimulates endothelial nitric oxide production and thence increases vasodilatation (opening up of blood vessels) and heart muscle blood flow. HDL also significantly impacts the capacity of inflammatory white blood cells to enter and take up residence in the sub-endothelial spaces of arteries.[4][5] This last factor is a probable player in removal of cholesterol molecules by engulfing them and removing them to safer dispositions.

My personal conviction is that the first phenomenon of reverse cholesterol transport is the most important one. There are other described mechanisms outlined in the figure which I won't go into.[6]

Conceptually from Figure 1 in reference [6]

The actual steps to take for increasing HDL are as follows:

• Increase healthy oils intake - olive oil, fish oil, coconut oil, butter and animal fats. Concerning the last two it applies to organic products and not those which come from animals enhanced by bovine growth hormones and whose products will contain supernatural levels of IGF (such as present in the USA). This last may be the factor which increases heart related events occurring in those consuming relatively high levels of animal fats in some people in the USA.[7] I say this because there is solid evidence that fat intake of animal origin is associated with lower cardiac mortality compared to the USA as in the French population[8] and the Eskimos[9]. Their food products are organic predominately. I (personally), target a 45% calorie quota for fats and oils of an overall calorie intake, and I emphasize the organic or natural status of said  fats. 45% is mid-way between the French and Eskimos.[8],[9] Here I would like to add that I use calories as a practical measure only, as the scientific basis of their translation into body energy is very shaky at this point in time (6-17-12, 5-17-16). 
• Increase low glycemic index foods – in other words avoid sugars (sucrose and high fructose corn syrup), and foods containing starch. This may also be described as a low-carbohydrate diet, with a relatively high consumption of fat and protein.[10]
• Fatty tissue weight loss if needed by controlling overall calorie intake as follows: if the person is at a healthy body mass index (BMI) then intake should be equal to calorie expenditure. If the BMI is high resulting from high body fat then intake should be less than expenditure. If the BMI is low then one should increase overall calorie intake.
• Engage in more aerobic exercise regularly, daily.[16]
• Tobacco and smoking cessation if applicable.[11],[16]
• Ensure intake of good quality protein (preferably animal origin that hasn’t been treated with bovine growth hormone – BST). Target a minimum of 1 gram per kilo body weight per day. This is because protein is a building block for HDL. As mentioned previously HDL stands for high density lipoprotein.
• With your physician’s consent and instruction – take niacin 500 – 2000 mg in the morning depending on how low your HDL is. This is also known as nicotinic acid. Be ready for the flushing and itching. This will occur 5 – 30 minutes after ingestion and happens in most people. Lasts around 10 – 45 minutes. Use the immediate release form. It is worth the flush. This medicine (which is also a vitamin) has been shown to decrease heart attack incidence. [6],[12],[13],[14],[15]
• Take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a supplement orally to the tune of 250 mg daily.[11],[17]
• Other agents are available that may raise HDL such as statins (unusually), fibrates and more novel agents in the pipe line[3]. That being said I am not too enthusiastic about all cholesterol ester transport protein inhibitors (CETP-I).[18] My lack of enthusiasm here is because of their mechanism of action. They work by essentially preventing HDL from reaching its end-point target environment, and as such will increase the level in the blood, but won't remove LDL. Bad idea. It astounds me how much money is being/was spent on developing such a non-nonsensical drug. 
• Of all current options, nicotinic acid is not only the most potent agent for raising HDL-C but is also effective in reducing key atherogenic lipid components including triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (mainly very low-density lipoproteins [VLDL] and VLDL remnants), LDL-C, and lipoprotein(a). The European Consensus Panel recommends that the minimum target for HDL-C should be 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L).[6] I prefer a target of 60 mg/dL or higher.

References:
[1] P Natarajan, KK Ray, CP Cannon (2010) High-density lipoprotein and coronary heart disease: current and future therapies. J Am Coll Cardiol 55: 1283-1299. Doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2010.01.008.
[2] P Barter, AM Gotto, JC LaRosa, J Maroni, M Szarek, SM Grundy et alHDL Cholesterol, Very Low Levels of LDL Cholesterol, and Cardiovascular Events. N Engl J Med 357: 1301-1310.
[3] PT Peter (2009) Novel Therapies for Increasing Serum Levels of HDL. Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America 38: 151-170.
[4] X Li (2000) Protective effect of high density lipoprotein on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Int J Cardiol 73: 231 236. Doi:10.1016/S0167-5273(00)00221-7.
[5] B Levkau, S Hermann, G Theilmeier, M van der Giet, J Chun, O Schober et al (2004) High-Density Lipoprotein Stimulates Myocardial Perfusion In Vivo. Circulation 110: 3355-3359. Doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000147827.43912.AE.
[6] MJ Chapman, G Assmann, JC Fruchart, J Shepherd, C Sirtori, European Consensus Panel on HDL-C (2004) Raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with reduction of cardiovascular risk: the role of nicotinic acid--a position paper developed by the European Consensus Panel on HDL-C. Curr Med Res Opin 20: 1253-1268. Doi:10.1185/030079904125004402.
[7] TT Fung, RM van Dam, SE Hankinson, M Stampfer, WC Willett, FB Hu Low-Carbohydrate Diets and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality. Annals of Internal Medicine 153: 289-298. Doi:10.1059/0003-4819-153-5-201009070-00003.
[8] MH Criqui, BL Ringel (1994) Does diet or alcohol explain the French paradox? Lancet 344: 1719-1723.
[9] H Bang, J Dyerberg, N Hjøorne (1976) The composition of food consumed by Greenland Eskimos. Acta Med Scand 200: 69-73.
[10] GD Foster, HR Wyatt, JO Hill, AP Makris, DL Rosenbaum, C Brill et al (2010) Weight and Metabolic Outcomes After 2 Years on a Low-Carbohydrate Versus Low-Fat Diet. Annals of Internal Medicine 153: 147-157. Doi:10.1059/0003-4819-153-3-201008030-00005.
[11] J Hallfrisch, VN Singh, DC Muller, H Baldwin, ME Bannon, R Andres (1994) High plasma vitamin C associated with high plasma HDL- and HDL2 cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr 60: 100-105.
[12] PL Canner, KG Berge, NK Wenger, J Stamler, L Friedman, RJ Prineas et al (1986) Fifteen year mortality in Coronary Drug Project patients: long-term benefit with niacin. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 8: 1245-1255.
[13] K. G. Berge1 Contact Information,P.L.Canner2 and Coronary Drug Project Research Group, (1) Mayo Clinic, 55905 Rochester, Minnesota,USA, (2) Maryland Medical Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland,USA (1991) Coronary drug project: Experience with niacin. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: S49-S51; S49.
[14] JB Segal, J Eng, LJ Tamariz, EB Bass (2007) Review of the Evidence on Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. Ann Fam Med 5: 63-73. Doi:10.1370/afm.648.
[15] Clofibrate and niacin in coronary heart disease. (1975) JAMA 231: 360-381.
[16] Anonymous Association of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Incident Cardiovascular Events in Women, by Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein B100 Levels . http://annals.org/content/155/11/742.abstract. Accessed 12/22/2011 2011. 

[17] Jacques, PF. “Ascorbic acid, HDL, and total plasma cholesterol in the elderly.” Journal Of The American College Of Nutrition, v. 6 issue 2, 1987, p. 169-174.

[18] J Poss, M Bohm, U Laufs (2010) HDL and CETP in atherogenesis. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 135: 188-192. Doi:10.1055/s-0030-1247862.

If You Eat Too Late At Night Does Your Body Repair Stop

My friend at Anti-Aging Games, Elizabeth Amini had a another question for me:

Is it true that your body repairs one organ at a time every hour at night and if you eat late, your body chooses to focus on digestion instead of repairs during that time period and whatever organ is supposed to be repaired isn't during that time?  It seems suspicious that the body works on an arbitrary time slot that humans sliced up the day by.  I've heard it from both Eastern and Western doctors.

Answer to first part of question:

The body in all its tissues (and its organ units) is in continual repair, night and day. The extent of repair and who is getting the most attention will vary with the extent of damage, exhaustion or use of that specific tissue or organ. All of the processes of repair will depend on the signals emanating from the tissues (organs) signaling the need. This will be in the form of chemicals (such as lactic acid or substance P for example), or neurologic signals. Other factors are the availability of the building blocks (such as amino acids), assisting substances (such as vitamin C), energy hormones (such as growth hormone), building hormones (again such as growth hormone), fuel for energy (fatty acids) and appropriate surrounding temperature. A major factor is whether or not that tissue is being involved in full scale repair or not is if said tissue is in use or not. When the tissue is active then the amount of repair is less and vice versa.

Since most tissues and organs are less active when a person is sleeping, then a large part of repair of all tissues will occur during the person’s sleep cycle. In addition, there is escalation of growth hormone secretion when the eyes are closed (especially in adults), which is a major player in repair. Therefore, sleep truly is ‘renovation time’.

The premise that the ‘body repairs one organ at a time every hour at night’, to me is without scientific basis and I don't think that any one organ has a specific hour to be repaired in. It is a continuous process.

Answer to second part of question:

By eating late the repair of the gastrointestinal tract is probably delayed because of it being busy with digestion and absorption. Some of the energy resources required for the digestion and absorption which would otherwise be dedicated to repair or replenishment may be diverted away from the repair arena. This would especially be true if the meal size is large. To what extent this occurs isn't known to me, but I seriously doubt that it is as absolute as described in the question. As such it is my conviction that it is healthier to have frequent small meals instead of large ones to have a continuous low drain on energy resources needed for repair, while at the same time having a continuous influx of building blocks and energy resources. This concept, along with exercise, is capitalized upon (knowingly or otherwise), by Bill Phillips, in his strategy for getting healthy in his book, Body-for-LIFE: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength (1999). So I would say it is okay to eat late as long as the meal size is small.

Does Alkalinizing The Body Through Ingesting Food and Fluids That ‘Alkalinize’ The Body Have a Positive Impact on Health?

My friend at Anti-Aging Games, Elizabeth Amini (Founder & CEO, Anti-Aging Games, LLC) had a question for me:

Does alkalinizing the body through ingesting food and fluids that ‘alkalinize’ the body have a positive impact on health?

Answer:

I doubt it very much. The body’s pH (acidity/alkalinity index), and here referring to blood and tissue fluids, is tightly regulated by among other organ systems, the lungs and kidneys. These two systems do that in a very magnificent synchronized fashion maintaining this tight range through multiple redundant backup tactics.
The pH of blood should be 7.35 to 7.45 which is truly on the alkaline side, but this shouldn’t translate into drinking or eating alkaline is better for us. I believe this is trying to fine-tune things artificially too much to the exclusion of highly important nutrients such as healthy proteins.
Also in-taking a consistently alkaline fluid or solid would put a burden on the kidneys to counter balance excess alkalinity. It would also trend our breathing to be slower so as to retain more carbon dioxide, especially if the kidneys aren't getting sufficient water (whose pH by the way is 7.0).
In conclusion I would say: eat healthy protein sufficiently (not less than 70 grams per day for a healthy adult), eat healthy fats (hormone free, and non-synthetic) sufficiently to the tune of 40-45% of the conventionally measured calorie intake, unlimited vegetables (preferably not genetically modified and also grown in fertile ground that hasn’t been exhausted of its minerals), and use fruits as a dessert. No refined sugars at all and keep refined carbohydrates (pasta, lasagna, breads, etc.) below 100 grams per day. Drink enough refined-sugar-free fluids to ensure a urine color that is very light yellow with a daily minimum of 3 urinary bladder full micturitions (urinations).

The websites you had referred to are too unscientific in their presumptions.