Some experts would contend that any alcohol is too much, but most will just advise against heavy alcohol use. Excess blood sugar can damage the delicate filtering system in the kidneys. People with diabetes are already more susceptible to kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy). Drinking alcohol can interfere with blood sugar control, making it harder to manage diabetes and further straining your kidneys. 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.

Alcohol Content and Diuresis

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no so-called “safe” level of alcohol consumption, and the more alcohol a person drinks, the greater their risk of health issues. Alcohol is a toxic substance that can damage the body’s organs and tissues. There are mixed conclusions about does alcohol kill your kidneys whether or not alcohol causes kidney failure specifically. It’s also important to avoid binge drinking, a pattern of drinking that causes your blood alcohol content to reach 0.08% or higher.

Alcohol and Kidneys: Effects, Risks & Treatment

• Alcohol affects how your brain releases a hormone called vasopressin, suppressing how much is released.
• Heavy drinking is consuming more than three drinks per day (or seven per week) for women, and more than four drinks per day (or 14 per week) for men.
• The previous belief that moderate red wine is beneficial has been debunked.
• Individuals should be aware of their alcohol intake limits and adhere to them strictly.

Excessive or frequent alcohol consumption can Twelve-step program upset the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and phosphate. These imbalances may impact nerve and muscle function and, if persistent, can contribute to kidney stress and reduced function. Moreover, even if alcohol may help prevent kidney cancer, it can increase the risk of developing other cancers.

• If you fall into any of these categories, avoiding alcohol, or closely monitoring your use, may be your best bet.
• Alcohol-induced urination reduced the subjects’ plasma volume, resulting in an increased concentration of plasma sodium.
• Her prognosis is dependent on adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes.
• The stress put on your kidneys over time forces them to work harder.
• Binge drinking can cause severe increases in blood pressure, while heavy drinking over time causes chronically high blood pressure.

What Are the Signs of Kidney Damage from Alcohol?

Blood alcohol content refers to the percentage of alcohol in your blood. Research from 2020 found that binge drinking doubled the risk of CKD progression. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, our alcohol addiction treatment program in Utah can help you get sober and limit the alcohol damage to your kidneys and other vital organs. Alcohol does not cause direct harm to the kidneys, especially when consumed in a safe manner. However, if you have kidney disease, you need to be mindful of how much you drink and the downstream effects that alcohol can have on your body.

The liver plays a role in maintaining blood flow to the kidneys, and alcohol-related liver problems can further impact kidney health. Moderate alcohol consumption is not likely to have significant negative effects on your kidneys. Moderate alcohol consumption can, however, increase the risk that your alcohol use will become heavier or that addiction will develop.

Top kidney disease research advancements from 2024

However, some feel kidney pain between the buttocks and the lower ribs. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and severity of alcohol-related kidney disease (ARKD). This often involves detoxification, counseling, and support groups to help individuals abstain from alcohol.

Can moderate alcohol consumption have any negative effects on kidney health?

Having a few drinks now and then won’t typically affect your health. However, misusing alcohol and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can affect the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. If you are struggling with AUD, treatment at Discovery Institute can help you. The pain was constant for several hours, significantly impacting her ability to move or sleep. Experiencing kidney pain after alcohol consumption can be alarming, prompting concern about potential kidney damage. Understanding the severity requires medical attention, and sometimes, such pain necessitates a hospital visit.

As an example, Puddey and colleagues (1985) evaluated the effects of hormones that regulate kidney function. Their results show not only how alcohol disrupts homeostasis but also how the body reacts to restore it. Following moderate alcohol consumption—about 24 oz—of nonalcoholic beer with 1 milliliter of alcohol per kilogram of body weight added, the investigators noted several effects. Alcohol-induced urination reduced the subjects’ plasma volume, resulting in an increased concentration of plasma sodium. In addition, the subjects’ blood pressure and plasma potassium concentration decreased. These changes in fluid volume, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure may have stimulated the activity of hormones to return body fluid volume and composition back to normal, which occurred soon after consumption.