I've read that the reason for brain fog, short term memory, concentration issues, and other cognitive issues is most likely due to ammonia buildup in the brain and not necessarily a TBD.
Is this true? And how do you get rid of ammonia from the brain? I've read activated charcoal does not bind to ammonia.
Has anyone here focused on detoxing for ammonia and noticed cognitive/mood improvements?
Thanks.
Posted by SLML (Member # 42986) on :
Absolutely improved. Zeolite binds Ammonia. I have heard Yucca Root and Jernigans Antitox bind Ammonia as well. It is a big deal in Lyme. Chronic infection up-regulates the CBS gene which causes excess ammonia build-up in the body. I felt significantly better in every way after taking it for a month. I took a powdered form of Zeolite and mixed in a cup of water. Basically looks like chalk but is tasteless.
Here is a link to great discussion with lots of good information from another lyme board:
Can you share where you got your Zeolite? What symptoms did it help with you?
Posted by SLML (Member # 42986) on :
I am in the habit of ordering everything I can off of Amazon Prime (because of the free shipping after paying the intial fee for it for the year). So Amazon. I used Zeolite Pure.
The first few days I felt headachy (probably getting those toxins in the brain!) and lethargic but an overwhelming peace and happiness came over me. I just felt really, really good on it! And it seems that after that, I haven't had any real big herxeimers - or at least like I used to get. I just think it lowered the overall toxin load in my body so I could take all the medications without feeling super bad. My herxs used to always include mood stuff and for the most part that is all gone. Does that help? Ammonia gets in the way of our body making the neurotransmitters that make us feel good. So with ammonia finally out of the way, I was back to feeling much more like the 'me' I had known before lyme disease.
I should add, that gingko biloba profoundly helped my memory as well. I noticed that I could remember people's names when I took it. It also increases microcirculation to the brain.
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
L-ornithine, an amino acid, is said to remove excess ammonia.
When taken in the evenings, it helps with sleep as well.
I do like it.
Also, I notice sometimes my sweat smells of cat urine-so I am assuming that sweating also helps to get rid of some excess ammonia in our bodies.
Too much info? Haha. Sorry.
Posted by Maya12 (Member # 36392) on :
There is also a product called benfotamine that I took to remove ammonia from my brain and it really helped.
It was given to me by my llnp.
I think you can find it at health food stores
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
It is good to know about zeolite. BH4 gets rid of it but it is expensive It takes 2 BH4 to bind with and remove one molecule of ammonia, which depletes BH4. Then you do not have enough BH4 to make neurotransmitters or nitric oxide.
Posted by twinnick (Member # 43163) on :
Anyone else?
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
"intravenous infusion of BCAA"
branched chain amino acids
An abdominal CT scan will show whether or not you have an unhealthy "fatty liver".
"it may be desirable to measure the aminotransferases (ALT,AST) with added PLP (active form of B6) in order to reflect better the cytolytic state of the liver"
"The ammonia that is produced elsewhere in the body, is usually detoxified by being converted to urea, which is then excreted.
This process mainly occurs in the liver,
and the liver is quite capable of handling the large amount of ammonia that is produced in the body, which occurs due to the metabolization of amino acids.
The liver has to be able to do this, because the nervous system can only tolerate very low levels of ammonia.
Excess ammonia, i.e., hyperammonia, only usually occurs either when liver functioning has been greatly reduced, or where a genetic defect in the urea cycle exists."
[ 07-16-2014, 05:15 PM: Message edited by: linky123 ]
Posted by twinnick (Member # 43163) on :
So ammonia isn't a common factor in causing mental/cognitive problems...?
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
A12983c all indicate excess ammonia as well.
I have this mutation. Maybe that's why my sweat smells of cat pee. yuck.
Also, eating low carb, high fat can also increase ammonia in the body.
So can taking Diamox, a drug used for intercranial pressure and congestive heart failure, glaucoma. And topiramate, seizures, migraines etc.
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
I ordered Zeolite this morning. I hope it helps me get rid of some of the build up of ammonia I have taking Bactrim with a CBS mutation.
I looked up Diamox and it says it is a diuretic for lessening the effects of high altitude sickness, not usually to be taken long term. I was interested because I get migraines but it doesn't seem to fit what I need.
Posted by Rivendell (Member # 19922) on :
Stephen Buhner recommends Japanese Knotweed to remove neurotoxins from the brain.
Also chlorella can remove toxins and heavy metals.
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
what about lactulose (RX)? anyone tried it? look it up. They use for hepatic encephalopathy. It also relieves constipation. I am going to ask my dr about it tomorrow.
Also l-ornithine is supposed to work.
Greta, I didn't know that about the a1298C mutation, I have double mutation there.
Posted by spinning122 (Member # 42223) on :
SLML, thanks for recommending Zeolite. Cognitive issues are one of my worst symptoms, so I ordered it.
Was feeling panicky, anxious, depressed, and unable to think clearly so I tried two scoops in water this morning. Feeling calm and able to focus now...
Do you know if there are warnings about taking this longterm?
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
Wow, that's awesome spinning. It worked!
Posted by SLML (Member # 42986) on :
spinning122 - I am so glad you gave it a try :-) I am hoping it is still helping you!
I don't know about long term and if there are warnings. I tend to be on the cautious side too. I did take it about 2 or 3x a day for a month in the beginning and now I only need it once every two weeks or so. I am starting a parasite cleanse in addition to my antibiotics so I will now be taking it 1x a day for a month just help my body detoxify.
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
How much Zeolite should I take and is there a specific time I should take it? I have the drops. I am taking about 3 drops once or twice a day. I mix it in with the other tinctures.
Posted by tick battler (Member # 21113) on :
High levels of ammonia are most likely caused by parasitic worms. Google "ammonia" and "parasites" and see what you find.
Galactose from BioPure helps lower ammonia. But the best way to do it is to get rid of the parasites.
Posted by Wayne (Member # 42755) on :
You might want to consider Japanese Knotweed, which is a rich source of resveratrol. Here's a snippet from my notes on resveratrol:
"Resveratrol is unique among antioxidants because it can cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect your brain and nervous system. This latest study by researchers from the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre at Northumbria University is the first to show that resveratrol has a marked impact on increasing blood flow to your brain."
Posted by lymielauren28 (Member # 13742) on :
Yucca works wonders!! I get capsules off of Amazon. Greta, I also have the A1298 mutation and my sweat used to reek like cat urine. Awful! Also, anyone who has a problem with excess ammonia will do well with a low protein diet. Animal meat converts to ammonia in the body. My moods and mental clarity have improved tremendously since going low animal protein and adding yucca.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)