Hypokalemia appears to exacerbate encephalopathy in part by stimulating ammonia production from the kidneys. ??? Constipation: Slow transit of stool through the gut appears to increase the time for bacteria digest foodstuffs and make ammonia and other toxins, potentially triggering hepatic encephalopathy. ??? Kidney failure: Dehydration from diuretic therapy and diarrhea, infection, some medicatio