Does Alcohol Affect the Kidneys? Key Facts to Know

Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Analgesics, may alleviate your aches and pains. They can also harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recommended dosage. Excessive consumption of several beverages can be harmful to the kidneys. This includes alcohol, sugary, and high-sodium beverages, such as vodka, sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened juices.

Myth: Don’t drink more fluids after drinking alcohol

Laube and colleagues (1967) suggested that both cellular enlargement and cell proliferation contribute to such nephromegaly. High blood pressure can put a strain on the kidneys, which does alcohol kill kidneys forces them to work harder to filter blood. The NKF adds that most people in the United States who have both liver disease and kidney dysfunction are alcohol dependent. According to a 2022 review, symptoms do not usually manifest until stage 4 or 5 of the disease.

  • However, the World Heart Federation (WHF) has clarified that no alcohol, including wine, benefits heart health (26).
  • If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, knowing how it can affect kidney function and health is important.
  • Binge drinking is another dangerous pattern that can cause both short-term and long-term kidney damage.

Can a damaged kidney recover?

Ways that your standard hangover cures won’t even begin to touch. Alcohol use can thicken those fluids, which can clog the ducts that those fluids flow out of,” Dr. Sengupta explains. When you drink too much alcohol, it can throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. That’s because your body already has processes in place that allow Halfway house it to store excess proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

does alcohol kill kidneys

Short Term Effects

does alcohol kill kidneys

And medications for high blood pressure can be affected by alcohol. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of having high blood pressure. Alcohol can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and make them less able to filter your blood. In addition to filtering blood, your kidneys do many other important jobs. One of these jobs https://harlemshakeroulette.com/12-addiction-recovery-group-activities/ is keeping the right amount of water in your body.


Dr Jamil Alkhoury is a graduate from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) with a degree in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Many people suffering from sleep apnea are unaware that they suffer from it, and need guidance from an expert. Sleep Apnea and TMJ are common among millions of American children and adults. Dr Jamil Alkhoury looks to improve and enhance the quality and life of his patients and has solutions to all your sleep related problems.
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