Kidney Problems and Alcohol: Understanding the Risks and Potential Consequences

Alcohol consumption can be difficult to avoid — it’s often present at social gatherings, celebrations, and vacations. 

Social drinking can be fun, but what happens when overconsumption starts to impact your health directly?

Unfortunately, alcohol consumption may have serious health consequences for many parts of the body, including the kidneys. Understanding the link between alcohol use and its risk to the kidneys is essential for making informed health decisions. 

In this article, we will explore the dangers and consequences of alcohol consumption, what to know about kidney disease, and how sobriety can lead to a healthier life. You have a life of celebrations ahead of you, so let us help you stay free of kidney disease related to alcohol.

Table of Contents

• How Does Alcohol Affect the Vital Role of Your Kidneys?
• Common Kidney Problems Due to Alcohol
• Warning Signs Alcohol May Be Harming Your Kidneys
• Can Alcohol Cause Kidney Scarring? 
• Is It Possible to Reverse Alcohol Associated Kidney Damage?
• Dove Recovery: Compassionate Alcohol Treatment Center in Columbus, OH

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine and below the ribcage. The primary function of the kidneys is to remove excess waste, fluid, and harmful substances from the blood. Other functions of the kidney include: 

• Filtering the blood
• Assisting in producing red blood cells
• Balancing vitamins and minerals
• Balancing levels of water and minerals in the blood
• Controlling blood pressure
• Keeping bones healthy 

Although alcohol consumed in small amounts may not be harmful to the body, it is considered a harmful substance if too much is consumed. The kidneys can filter small amounts of alcohol, but too much can impair their function of purifying alcohol from the blood. 

Alcohol can also lead to liver disease, which slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. This can add additional strain to the kidneys. 

How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

Alcohol consumption can affect your overall health and consuming excessive amounts can have dangerous results. Increased alcohol consumption can also lead to alcoholism and addiction. 

Excessive alcohol consumption is defined differently for women and men:

• For women: Four or more standard drinks on one occasion or eight or more standard drinks in one week
• For men: Five or more standard drinks on one occasion or 15 or more standard drinks in one week

A standard drink is defined as:

• 12 ounces of 5% ABV of beer
• 8 ounces of 7% ABV of malt liquor 
• 5 ounces of 12% ABV wine
• 1.5 ounces of 40% (80 proof) distilled spirits (whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, etc)

It is also essential to avoid alcohol consumption if you are pregnant, underage, have certain medical conditions, and are taking certain medications. Not only can alcohol cause damage to the kidneys but it may affect other parts of the body as well. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your alcohol consumption. 

If you or your loved one is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, as defined above, Dove Recovery can help. Recognizing the problem is a significant first step toward recovery. Our trained professionals are here to support you in any part of your sobriety journey. Reach out for help.

The kidney is needed to filter out harmful substances, but when alcohol is involved, dangerous conditions can develop. Alcohol consumption causes your kidneys to be less efficient at filtering your blood, which can lead to complications with your kidneys and other health issues. 

Short Term Effects

While short-term effects can occur due to alcohol, they could turn into long-term problems for your kidney, especially if the kidney is particularly strained. It is vital to keep an eye on your kidney function after drinking heavily, especially if you have any medical issues present, such as high/low blood pressure. 

Some short-term effects may include:

• Dehydration
• Increased urination
• Blood pressure spikes
• Kidney strain
• Acute kidney injury

If any of these short-term effects worsen or last longer than expected, it is essential to see a doctor immediately. 

Long Term Effects

Drinking excessively over long periods can cause severe damage to the body, especially the kidneys. Some of the damage that is done can cause life-long health issues, including:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Glomerulonephritis 
• Diabetes

Alcohol-Related Kidney Disorders

Because alcohol can damage the kidneys and the kidneys are needed to filter alcohol, alcohol-related kidney disorders are common. 

Some alcohol-related kidney disorders are:

• Alcoholic kidney disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Chronic kidney damage due to binge drinking
• Alcoholic neuropathy

Each of these kidney disorders have their own treatment plans depending on the severity and impacts on the body and other organs. Dialysis and kidney transplants are sometimes required to support the failing kidneys.

After reading about excessive drinking limits, you may be wondering if your alcohol consumption could be impacting your kidney function.

Are there direct symptoms of kidney problems due to alcohol to watch out for that could signal issues with your kidneys?

Yes, and they include:

• Red, pink, and/or foamy urine
• Increased urination
• Decreased urination
• Nausea/vomiting
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Fatigue
• Pain in your lower back or flanks
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry or itchy skin
• Muscle cramping
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Hypertension

Kidney scarring (Glomerulosclerosis) can cause direct problems with the filtering process of the kidneys and is mainly caused by kidney disease. Alcoholism can directly contribute to kidney disease due to:

• Dehydration
• Inflammation 
• Overworking the kidneys

Kidney scarring is not reversible, but there are some ways that you can slow down its progression, such as medication or diet changes. Eliminating alcohol is essential for someone suffering from Glomerulosclerosis to prevent future scarring and allow the kidney to function the best it can. Those with kidney scarring typically need dialysis or a kidney transplant to continue a healthy life moving forward.  

Yes, it’s possible for some, depending on the severity. Some ways to support kidney function and reverse any alcohol-associated kidney damage are:

• Diet changes
• Therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Medical interventions
• Abstinence from alcohol

As expected, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can significantly benefit your kidney function. 

At Dove Recovery, we are here to help you through your sobriety journey and support your health goals. If quitting alcohol is difficult but essential for your health, we are here to help. We take a compassionate approach to treatment and ensure medical stabilization along the way. Contact us to learn more.

If you are currently living with health issues related to alcohol consumption or would like to stop drinking alcohol to help minimize or prevent any health issues, Dove Recovery is here for you.

Our alcohol rehab program is tailored directly to each of our clients and includes many different methods to support recovery, such as:

• Psychotherapy
• Medication management
• Peer support groups
• Individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and holistic therapy
• 12-Step Recovery Program
• Other evidence-based treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

If you or a loved one is struggling, contact us today to learn more about a healthier and sober life.