Ammonia is a by-product of the breakdown of protein. One function of the liver is to take potentially toxic substances and make them inert, so the body can remove them. When ammonia enters the blood, the liver filters it out and combines it with other compounds, such as carbon, to produce urea. The urea reenters the bloodstream and stays there until it reaches the kidneys for excretion. There is no medically sanctioned way to detox the body from ammonia. Since removal of ammonia starts at the liver, keeping your liver healthy and strong, in theory, will help to improve ammonia removal. Detoxing the liver may be one way to essentially detox ammonia from the body.
Take one dose of s-adrensylmethionine (SAMe) supplement daily. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 200 mg as a starting dosage. Over time, increase the dose to between 600 and 1,200 mg. Talk to your doctor before beginning a regimen of SAMe. SAMe can be taken orally or by injection, depending on what your doctor thinks is best for your situation.
Add 100 to 200 mg of silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex--milk thistle--twice daily to your dietary supplement plan.
Prepare 3 cups of milk thistle tea as an alternative to silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex. The recipe provided by The Natural Healing guide includes 1 tbsp. of crushed milk thistle seeds and 3 cups of boiling water. Pour the water into a bowl containing the seeds and let the solution steep for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and divide the portion into three or four cups. Initially, drink one cup 30 minutes before each meal and one before bed. After three days, only take the tea before meals.
Tip
Milk thistle tea is also available mixed in tea bags. Intake for the tea should equal between 280 and 450 mg of milk thistle daily. Follow the instructions on the tea package for preparation.
Warning
Liver disease is a life threatening condition. Do not assume that detoxing your liver is enough to heal any liver illness. See your doctor before beginning any treatments to detox your liver.
Possible side effects of milk thistle include stomach pain and diarrhea. Do not ingest milk thistle if being treated for cancer or if taking a prescription medication.
Reported side effects of SAMe include dry mouth, nausea, gas, diarrhea and insomnia. If diagnosed with bipolar disorder, do not take SAMe supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking a B-complex vitamin with SAMe. Do not take either supplement if pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
Writer Bio
Writing since 1999, Darla Ferrara is an award-winning author who specializes in health, diet, fitness and computer technology. She has been published in "Mezzo Magazine" and Diet Spotlight, as well as various online magazines. Ferrara studied biology and emergency medical technology at the University of Nebraska and Southeast Community College.