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Ammonia & Liver Damage

High levels of ammonia in the body are often an indication of liver disease. High ammonia levels in the body can lead to a number of severe medical problems. Ammonia is especially damaging to the brain.

  1. Ammonia

    • Ammonia is a natural substance, and is found both in the environment and the body. Ammonia is a by-product of eating meat. Of course, it is also used as a household cleaner. When properly used, it is unlikely to damage the liver or other organs.

    The Liver's Role in Processing Ammonia

    • The human liver processes ammonia into harmless byproducts. If the liver is damaged, its ability to process ammonia is weakened and higher levels of ammonia enter the bloodstream.

    Effect of High Ammonia Levels

    • High ammonia levels in the blood effect the brain, causing a number of illnesses, most of which are incurable.

    Illnesses Caused by High Ammonia Levels

    • High levels of ammonia reaching the brain can cause hepatic encephalopathy, which results in confusion, irritability and can lead to a coma. High levels of ammonia in the body can also be a contributing factor to dementia and other mental illnesses.

    Prevent Liver Damage

    • Because many of the illnesses caused by high ammonia levels in the body are chronic and untreatable, the safest course to protect your liver is to avoid damage to the organ. Limit alcohol intake, which is one of the primary causes of liver damage, which leads to high ammonia levels in the body.

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