The Impact of Alcohol on Kidney Function
For most people, drinking alcohol in moderation does not pose a kidney health risk. However, excessive drinking can impact a person’s kidney function, with long-term consequences. Dr. Sadeddin and our dedicated team at Texas Advanced Renal Health are happy to offer guidance to help you maintain your kidney health. You can count on us for the exceptional care you deserve!
How Does Alcohol Impact Kidney Health?
Your kidneys play an essential role in keeping you healthy by filtering waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood into your urine. Binge drinking, which involves having large amounts of alcohol in a short time, can result in dangerously high alcohol levels building up in the blood. Combined with decreased oral intake of food and water, that can lead to dangerously low sodium levels, dehydration, and acute kidney injury (AKI).
Acute kidney injury, also known as acute renal failure, is characterized by a sudden drop in kidney function. Symptoms may include decreased urine output, swelling of the legs, ankles, and around the eyes, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, confusion, and even chest pain. The good news is that most people with AKI make a full recovery. However, some may develop long-term kidney damage.
Additional Effects of Alcohol Consumption
Aside from interfering with kidney function, heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure, which is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Excessive drinking can also lead to liver disease, which can interfere with the blood flow the kidneys need to function their best.
Over time, alcohol can damage the delicate structures of the kidneys, interfering with their ability to filter waste from the blood and maintain a healthy fluid balance. That can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which, if not treated, can result in kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.
Safeguarding Your Kidney Health
We cannot overemphasize the importance of moderate drinking to minimize the impact of alcohol on your kidney function and your overall health. Our team at Texas Advanced Renal Health is happy to work with you to assess your risk factors and provide personalized advice and guidance on safe alcohol consumption limits, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications that may interact with alcohol.
But what is moderate drinking? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults of legal drinking age refrain from alcohol consumption or drink in moderation. Moderate drinking involves no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. If you are pregnant or nursing, you need to avoid alcohol altogether.
If you choose to drink alcohol, we recommend doing so in moderation and avoiding binge drinking. It’s also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular exercise, to promote your kidney health.
Kidney Care Near Me in McKinney, TX
Contact Texas Advanced Renal Health to learn more about safeguarding your kidney health. Dr. Sadeddin and his exceptional team are committed to empowering you to make informed choices to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible. We invite you to call 972-548-4833 to schedule your appointment today!