How to Reduce Ammonia Levels in the Body

Ammonia is a byproduct of digestion, which is usually eliminated by the liver. If ammonia levels rise in the body, it may indicate a liver issue. However, there are methods to reduce ammonia levels and improve liver function. These methods include medication, dietary supplements, and changes in food intake. By combining these strategies, you can lower ammonia levels in the body.

Consult a doctor. Most people become aware of the need to lower ammonia levels through information from a doctor. This issue is usually related to another health problem, so managing ammonia levels will be part of the overall treatment plan.

• Elevated ammonia levels are a common symptom of progressive liver diseases such as cirrhosis, Reye's syndrome, and severe hepatitis. If you have any of these conditions, you will need to find ways to reduce ammonia levels.

Check ammonia levels. Before taking any medication to lower ammonia levels, it's important to undergo a test to assess the issue. An ammonia test measures the amount of ammonia in your blood, which requires a blood sample.

• Normal ammonia levels range from 15 to 45 µ/dL (11 to 32 µmol/L).
• Ammonia levels may temporarily rise after intense, long-duration exercises, such as long-distance running. Therefore, you should avoid any strenuous physical activity and refrain from smoking before the test.

Take lactulose medication. Lactulose is a laxative used to treat high ammonia levels in the blood. It works by removing ammonia from the bloodstream and transferring it to the colon, where it is expelled during bowel movements.

• Follow your doctor's instructions on the timing and dosage. A typical dosage is 2-3 tablespoons (30–45 mL) of lactulose, 3-4 times a day.
• Lactulose is a liquid medication usually taken orally. However, if your ammonia levels are extremely high and you are hospitalized, it may be administered directly into your digestive system.
• Lactulose is the only medication used to lower ammonia levels, but it is sold under various brand names such as Duphalac, Enulose, Generlac, Constulose, and Kristalose.

Manage side effects. While lactulose helps lower ammonia levels in the blood, it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. Since lactulose is designed to treat constipation, it draws water from the body into the stool, leading to loose stools and other digestive issues. Consult your doctor about steps to minimize these side effects.

• Ensure you drink plenty of water while using lactulose. The medication draws water from the body, so replenishing fluids is essential to avoid dehydration.
• If the side effects become severe and affect your quality of life, inform your doctor. This may indicate the need to adjust your medication dosage.

Include probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and protect the body from disease. These beneficial bacteria can help the intestines process and eliminate ammonia more efficiently. Common foods that provide probiotics include fermented dairy products like kefir yogurt and fermented foods such as German-style sauerkraut.

• For instance, try having a serving of yogurt every day. Yogurt is rich in probiotics and can improve both your digestive health and overall well-being.

Reduce animal protein intake in your diet. Red meat protein can lead to higher ammonia levels in the blood compared to other animal proteins, such as chicken.

Consider adopting a vegetarian diet. Plant-based proteins, such as those found in beans, are digested more slowly than animal proteins, giving your body more time to eliminate ammonia produced during digestion. For this reason, it is best to choose plant-based proteins if you want to keep ammonia levels low.

• A vegetarian diet also provides plenty of dietary fiber and amino acids, both of which help balance ammonia levels.

Limit protein intake after symptoms appear. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein digestion in the body. Therefore, it is essential to limit protein intake if your blood ammonia levels are particularly high. High ammonia levels are often indicated by the worsening of symptoms.

• For example, if you have liver disease and are experiencing abnormal brain activity, it's best to restrict protein intake during your recovery period.

Take zinc supplements. Zinc can play a significant role in increasing the amount of ammonia the body can excrete. Consult your doctor to see if zinc supplements can help reduce your ammonia levels.

• Liver diseases often decrease zinc levels. Zinc is vital for ammonia elimination, so zinc supplements can be helpful for those with high ammonia levels.

Ask your doctor about multivitamins you can take. High ammonia levels often indicate poor body function, which may lead to health issues due to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. To prevent this, consult your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin to supplement any nutrients you may be lacking.

• Follow your doctor's instructions precisely regarding the type and dosage of multivitamins to avoid taking anything that could negatively affect liver function or ammonia levels. For example, high doses of vitamin A can lead to liver toxicity.

Take glutamine supplements. Glutamine has been proven effective in reducing ammonia levels in endurance athletes. Consult your doctor to see if any supplements can help you manage your ammonia levels.

• Glutamine can be dangerous for individuals with liver failure. It is essential to discuss any supplements with your doctor before using them.