How Skipping Meat Can Help Reverse Dangerous Blood Ammonia Levels in Liver Disease
The harmful effects of cirrhosis, an advanced liver disease, can be mitigated by making small changes in diet, according to Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj, a gastroenterologist at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. One such change is skipping meat at mealtime, which has been found to reduce dangerous blood ammonia levels.
The reason behind this lies in the fact that bacteria in the gut produce ammonia as they aid in the digestion process. In a healthy liver, the ammonia is excreted harmlessly by the kidneys. However, when someone has cirrhosis, their liver is unable to process ammonia properly, leading to a buildup of toxic ammonia in the body.
This buildup of ammonia can have severe consequences, with it potentially reaching the brain and causing confusion or delirium, a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy. If left untreated, this can result in a coma or even death.
Diet plays a crucial role in these processes, as Western diets that are low in fiber and high in meat and carbohydrates tend to increase the production of ammonia in the intestines. So, what would happen if meat were excluded from the equation?
To investigate this question, the Richmond VA Medical Center conducted a study involving 30 meat-eating adults with cirrhosis. The participants were asked to consume one of three types of burgers: a pork/beef mix, a vegan meat substitute, or a vegetarian “bean burger.” All three burgers contained approximately 20 grams of protein and were served with a whole grain bun and low-fat potato chips, without any additional toppings.
After the meal, blood ammonia levels were measured using specific amino acid markers. The results showed that those who consumed meat burgers had higher blood levels of ammonia compared to those who consumed either plant-based burger.
Dr. Bajaj recognizes that making long-term dietary and behavioral changes can be challenging for patients. However, he wonders if making occasional adjustments, such as skipping meat during some meals, could be a viable option for those with liver disease. It is important for patients to understand that making positive dietary changes does not have to be overwhelming or difficult.
While the study conducted by the Richmond team had a small sample size, they believe that their findings are significant. It is now possible for physicians to inform their cirrhosis patients about these findings and encourage them to reduce their meat consumption.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential benefits of excluding meat from the diet of individuals with cirrhosis. By doing so, dangerous blood ammonia levels can be reduced, offering hope for those suffering from advanced liver disease.