We all know that alcohol does a number on our liver, but does it affect the kidneys? For those who drink excessively, the answer is “yes.” This article will discuss how alcohol can affect your kidney health and what you can do to protect them.
What exactly are the kidneys, and what role do they play?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs situated below the ribcage on each side of the spine. Urine is a bodily fluid that carries waste products to the urinary bladder, held until excretion. Urine also has several functions in our health. It cleans and filters blood, creates urine, and maintains electrolytes by removing harmful chemicals and wastes.
When drinking alcohol, it is absorbed into our circulation and carried to the kidneys, where it is broken down. The kidneys filter alcohol from our blood and excrete it in urine, which exits the body via urination.
The liver does most of the detoxification during this time, although long-term heavy drinking can harm both organs over time if not monitored by a doctor.
Although your liver does most of the heavy lifting, long-term excessive drinking can damage both organs over time.
Does alcohol affect the kidneys?
As you drink alcohol, your kidneys filter the blood and remove it from the body. It does not happen as efficiently when we drink because our heart rate and blood pressure drop. When this happens, less oxygen-rich blood is carried to all parts of our bodies, including the kidneys. The reduced amount of oxygenated blood that reaches these organs can cause damage over time.
The kidneys are also responsible for regulating electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. These electrolytes help keep our body functioning correctly, both electrically and chemically. When the kidneys become damaged from excessive drinking, they can’t regulate these electrolytes, leading to several health problems.
One of the most typical issues linked with alcohol-related kidney damage is High blood pressure. When the kidneys cannot filter effectively, pollutants and waste materials accumulate in the body, putting a strain on the heart. Hypertension can develop if it is not addressed promptly. It might cause a slew of health issues if left unchecked.
Long-term excessive drinking can be highly damaging to kidneys and lead to several complications. Although a glass of wine here and there will not harm you, it does call for some serious thinking about your limits.
Alcohol and Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that can damage the kidneys over time. This can lead to a build-up of waste products and fluid in the body. Alcohol can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Signs of alcohol-related kidney disease
You should visit a doctor straight away if you experience any following problems. These might be indicators that your kidney function has been damaged by alcohol:
- Changes in urine output such as increased or decreased frequency
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs
- Sudden weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and general malaise
These might be indications that your kidneys have been damaged as a result of excessive alcohol consumption over time.
After drinking alcohol, what are the possible reasons for kidney discomfort?
A variety of factors causes pain in the kidneys. If you have pain and are unsure what it means, it’s vital to figure out why you feel so terrible.
Hepatic dysfunction
Having an alcohol addiction and your liver has been damaged. If your liver is sick, you are more likely to get pain or discomfort after drinking alcohol. Viral hepatitis, particularly the H1N1 strain, may cause blood vessel damage throughout the body. The illness can also disrupt blood flow to the kidneys and hamper their ability to function correctly.
Doctors may advise you to cease drinking alcohol, reduce weight, and follow a healthy diet when treating liver disease. Certain situations might require the use of medicines or surgery. In instances of severe liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Kidney stones
When you’re dehydrated, your body attempts to compensate by drawing water from the surrounding tissues. Dehydration can cause kidney stones by causing excessive loss of fluid through your kidneys. If you have existing kidney stones and consume alcohol, they may travel faster. It might worsen your kidneys’ discomfort while also contributing to it.
Small kidney stones can be dissolved by drinking more water, taking medicine, or using home methods.
Inflammation of the kidney
A kidney infection is an infection of the urinary tract that starts in the urethra or bladder and spreads to both kidneys. After drinking, alcohol, symptoms and severity of a UTI can intensify.
If you think your kidney problem is caused by medication, go to the emergency department right away. Heat or pain relievers can help with the discomfort. Antibiotics will generally be given to you, and you might require hospitalization or surgery for severe or chronic kidney infections.
Dehydration
Because alcohol has diuretic effects, you will urinate more. It can lead to Dehydration, especially when you drink excessively.
The kidneys’ capacity to maintain the proper balance of water and electrolytes in the body is impaired by alcohol. It causes kidney disease and raises the likelihood of developing kidney stones. Over an extended period, Dehydration puts you at an increased risk for these adverse effects.
Replace any fluids and minerals that have been lost. It will help if you avoid sugary beverages. You may get a sports drink with electrolytes and a carbohydrate solution.
Dehydration may require a medical visit in some situations.
Obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ)
After drinking alcohol, if you have UPJ obstruction, you may experience kidney discomfort. The kidneys and bladder are unable to function correctly due to this condition. Pain is felt in the side, lower back, or belly occasionally. It might travel to the crotch at times. Drinking alcohol might aggravate any pain.)
It is why the condition can be challenging to treat. Although this abnormality most commonly occurs in individuals under the age of 30, it can also affect people of any age. It’s caused by an iron buildup that causes blood vessels and other tissues to become rigid and swollen. It restricts blood flow and promotes clotting, decreasing oxygen supply to the kidneys.
Surgery is generally the only treatment for UPJ obstruction.
Hydronephrosis
Excess urine puts pressure on one or both of your kidneys, causing them to become swollen. A blockage or obstruction in the urinary system prevents urine emptying from the kidney to the bladder. The renal pelvis may swell or expand as a result of this. You could have flank soreness and pain while urinating, among other things.
Hydronephrosis is a condition in which Kidney Stone Disease occurs and can be treated as soon as possible. If kidney stones or kidney infections are to blame, seek medical care. You may require antibiotics in this case.
Swelling of the gastric mucosa
Overindulging in alcohol can cause gastritis, which causes the stomach lining to become inflamed or swollen. Though this isn’t directly connected to the kidneys, pain may be felt in the upper abdomen and be linked to kidney discomfort.
Avoid alcohol, pain medications, and recreational drugs to cure gastritis. To alleviate symptoms and discomfort, take antacids. Doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors or H2 antagonists to lower stomach acid production.
Must Read: What Damages Kidneys
Kidney disease caused by alcohol has several possible therapies.
There are several treatment choices for people who have been diagnosed with kidney disease as a result of excessive drinking. Depending on the severity and type of harm done to your kidneys, some treatments may be able to reverse them.
Dialysis is another option for patients who cannot undergo a transplant because of the severity of their illness or other circumstances. It involves having blood removed from your body, processed, and put back into your circulation.
Another option is a procedure called Kidney Transplant, in which a healthy kidney is transplanted into the body from a donor. It is usually only an option for those whose kidneys have completely failed or developed kidney failure due to diabetes.
The sooner your diagnosis and treatment plan can begin, the better chance you have at reversing or managing damage done by long-term excessive drinking.
Prevention methods for kidney disease from alcohol
The best approach to avoid kidney disease is to be careful with your drinking habits. It’s vital to note that there is no specific number for alcohol consumption, so start by examining your drinking patterns and seeing where you can cut back.
Consider alternating alcoholic beverages with water or other non-alcoholic drinks if you consume alcohol. Keeping yourself hydrated and limiting the amount of alcohol consumed will assist you in remaining healthy.
Another great way to prevent kidney disease is by maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra strain on the kidneys and can increase your risk of developing related health problems.
If you have any other health conditions, be sure to address them with your doctor. Some medications can increase your risk of developing kidney disease, so discuss the risks and benefits before starting a new treatment plan.
What to eat, drink, or take if you have kidney issues or want to prevent them in the future.
If you have kidney issues, there are a few things that you can do to help manage them.
- First and foremost, it is crucial to drink plenty of fluids- especially water. Staying hydrated will help your kidneys function properly and flush out toxins and waste products.
- It is also vital to eat a nutritious diet. Foods high in protein and low in sodium are ideal for kidney problems. Fish, chicken, legumes, and whole grains are excellent examples of high protein and low in salt.
- In addition to a healthy diet, it is also essential to exercise regularly. Exercise helps the body to eliminate toxins and waste products through sweat. It can also help improve blood circulation, vital for kidney function.
- Regularly seeing a doctor is also essential for managing kidney issues and preventing further damage. A health professional will assist you in determining the causes of your symptoms and treatment choices, as well as lifestyle modifications, diet, and exercise.
Who should be most concerned about their kidneys and alcohol consumption?
Anyone concerned about their kidneys and alcohol consumption should speak to a doctor. Those who have previously had kidney problems or drank excessively are more prone to develop similar health issues linked with kidney disease.
Even if you don’t have any kidney disease markers, excessive drinking puts you at a greater risk of developing related health issues. Consult your doctor on the acceptable amount and what signals should be taken seriously.
In this section, we have looked at the effect that drinking has on our kidneys and some possible treatment options when dealing with long-term issues or kidney damage.
Prevention methods for kidney disease from alcohol include:
- Cutting back on how much you drink.
- Alternating alcoholic drinks with water.
- Maintaining a healthy weight by eating the right foods.
- Exercising regularly. The sooner your diagnosis and treatment plan can begin, the better chance you have at reversing or managing damage done by long-term excessive drinking.
Does sugar water help with Dehydration from drinking too much alcohol?
No. Drinking water with electrolytes does help to hydrate the body and re-balance fluid levels and sugar, but it does nothing for people who have been drinking too much alcohol because of how quickly alcohol causes Dehydration.
Drinking a sports drink after an excessive night will not undo any damage from drinking the previous night. The best way to rehydrate is to drink a lot of water before going out and more water after drinking alcohol and perhaps coffee.
Conclusion:
Alcohol abuse does have adverse effects on kidney health. To prevent the development of chronic kidney disease, minimize your alcohol intake and protect yourself from excessive drinking by stopping before you start feeling drunk or lightheaded.
If you are already experiencing symptoms of renal failure due to heavy drinking, you must speak with a physician about ways to manage your condition so that it doesn’t worsen over time.
Regardless of age, everyone should understand how much they drink and how their bodies respond to alcohol at each stage of life. Excessively drinking can have severe consequences for individuals who continue to drink beyond one glass.
Ref: Alcohol misuse and kidney injury: epidemiological evidence and potential mechanisms