Your doctor will likely recommend alcohol addiction treatment so that you avoid damaging your kidneys again in the future. Dehydration linked to alcohol consumption can contribute to more concentrated urine, which can foster the formation of kidney stones. Frequent kidney stones may injure the kidneys over time if infections or obstructions occur.
Does Alcohol Affect the Kidneys? Key Facts to Know
Acute kidney injury is a more advanced stage of kidney malfunction, ranging from minor to acute kidney failure. When someone develops AKI, they usually experience a buildup of urea and other waste products in their blood. They may also struggle with an imbalance of electrolytes and extracellular fluids. Along with the symptoms typical of impaired kidney function, AKI symptoms caused by excessive alcohol consumption may include decreased urine output, confusion, nausea, abdominal pain, and irregular heartbeat. Practical steps to mitigate these risks include moderating alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and monitoring blood pressure and liver health. For acute risks, avoiding binge drinking and alternating alcoholic beverages with water can reduce the likelihood of AKI.
Alcoholic Kidney Disease
One primary effect is dehydration, as alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production. This occurs because alcohol suppresses the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which signals the kidneys to conserve water. With ADH inhibited, the kidneys excrete more water, leading to dehydration and increased concentration of electrolytes in the blood, which stresses kidney cells. Drinking alcohol can harm kidneys, leading to high blood pressure, dehydration, and liver disease.
- For instance, reducing daily alcohol consumption to one drink for women and two for men can lower blood pressure by 2–4 mmHg in hypertensive individuals.
- The liver normally releases stored glucose to prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), but it prioritizes processing alcohol instead.
- This doubles your risk of developing chronic kidney disease or long-term kidney damage.
- Therefore, the effect of ethanol on the kidney is beyond our original understanding.
Levels of Care
- On the other hand, there is evidence showing alcohol may lower the risk of CKD.
- When alcohol dehydrates (dries out) the body, the drying effect can affect the normal function of cells and organs, including the kidneys.
- Although UTIs themselves are not always linked to alcohol consumption, heavy drinking can weaken immune function and increase the risk of dehydration, which can raise susceptibility to infection and compromise kidney function.
- Binge drinking can cause a rapid decline in kidney function due to the buildup of toxins.
Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the hormone systems that regulate kidney function, further exacerbating the strain on these vital organs. Understanding the relationship between alcohol and kidney health is essential for preventing long-term damage alcohol and kidneys and promoting overall well-being. Alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to kidney pain, though the relationship between the two is complex.
Vitamins in Chronic Kidney Disease
Early-stage kidney damage may improve with abstinence from alcohol, but severe or long-term damage may be irreversible. In conclusion, alcohol’s toxins exploit the kidneys’ filtration system, turning a vital organ into a battleground. By understanding the mechanisms of damage and adopting proactive measures, individuals can safeguard renal health.
Specifically, ethanol metabolism produces fatty acid ethyl esters in various organs (Laposata and Lange 1986), which can cause ethanol-induced organ damage. Calabrese and Rizza (1999) found that ethanol induced a significant increase in the levels of fatty acid ethyl esters. They measured the highest levels in the heart, followed by kidney, brain, alcoholism treatment and liver. Signs that alcohol is causing damage to your kidneys include changes in your urine production and signs you are retaining fluid.
How Does Alcohol Affect Kidneys? Drinking and Kidney Facts
Additionally, the kidneys help regulate blood pressure, stimulate red blood cell production, and contribute to bone health. Alcohol and diabetes don’t mix well—especially when it comes to kidney health. Drinking can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels, which increases your risk of diabetic kidney disease. They remove waste, regulate blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, and manage electrolytes like sodium and potassium. In terms of alcohol’s effects on the kidneys, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) states that drinking too much alcohol can harm kidney function and worsen existing kidney disease. Similarly, there’s minimal evidence to suggest that alcohol increases the risk of kidney stones or kidney infections.