Ammonia levels in body fluids are determined by the amount of protein you
digest and metabolize. The body takes protein from our food and breaks it down
to individual amino acids which is used by the body to make connective tissue
such as collagen for joints and skin, keratin for hair and nails and elastin
for healthy arteries and veins. The biochemistry of the body is performed by
enzymes that are composed of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The cells of
the body also use these amino acids as building blocks for other important
components of the body such as lipoproteins and neurotransmitters. These
important components may or may not require the amine group that is attached to
the amino acid and so it is cut off the molecule and released as ammonia.
People who are on the Atkins diet or some other high protein diet, force their
body to burn fat and protein for energy. When you burn amino acids for energy,
ammonia is converted to nitrate. The excess amino acids are also converted to
glucose through the process of gluconeogenesis. This process also has ammonia
released as a byproduct.
Too much ammonia, nitrate and urea can be toxic to the liver and kidneys as
well as other tissues in the body. These are waste products of metabolism so
drinking enough water for excretion is extremely important. Exercise and
massage are also important for the excretion of these toxic byproducts. High
levels of nitrates and ammonia have been shown to increase chemical
sensitivities and allergies. It is important to monitor your protein intake to
make sure that your ammonia and nitrate levels are safely within the normal
range.
If your ammonia concentration is too low then your protein intake is too low or
your digestion is poor. Good sources of protein are fish, chicken, small
amounts of red meat, eggs, nuts, soy, legumes, cheese and other dairy products.
If you have digestion problems then a digestive enzyme supplement may be
necessary to help assimilate the protein you are consuming. Low protein intake
can lead to muscle wasting, poor healing and impaired immunity. Other symptoms
of poor protein metabolism are brittle hair and nails and thin and splotchy
looking skin.