Prolonged high blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels within the nephrons, impairing their filtering ability. Each kidney contains about a million tiny units called nephrons. These nephrons filter approximately 150 to 200 quarts of blood daily, returning most cleaned fluid and necessary substances to the body while converting 1 to 2 quarts into urine. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and maintain bone health by balancing minerals. Furthermore, alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of kidney stones. It can increase the heart rate, leading to faster blood flow and potentially pushing the stones into the ureters, causing severe pain and possible obstruction.
How Alcohol Damages the Kidneys
These disturbances increase the kidneys’ workload in restoring acid-base balance through formation of an acidic or basic (i.e., alkaline) urine. For instance, the opposite of respiratory alkalosis can occur when a person becomes extremely intoxicated. Because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, it may slow the rate of breathing as well as reduce the brain’s respiratory center’s sensitivity to carbon dioxide levels. As a result, excess carbon dioxide accumulates, and the body’s acid level subsequently increases.
Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
- Smoking slows blood flow to all major organs, and it can also negatively affect medicines used to treat high blood pressure.
- Studies suggest that individuals who consume large amounts of alcohol, like 3-4 drinks per day, may face risks within a couple of years.
- These foods are heavily processed and packed with artificial additives, added sugar, refined carbs, unhealthy fats, and sodium, but are low in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Heavy drinking forces kidneys to work harder, weakening their filtering ability and contributing to long-term damage.
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. Alcohol can also lead to liver disease, which slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. Alcohol can directly injure the kidney’s filtering units, known as glomeruli, and the small tubes, or tubules, that reabsorb necessary substances and remove waste. Structural changes occur in the kidneys of those with prolonged alcohol exposure. This direct cellular toxicity can also activate programmed cell death pathways within kidney tissues, compromising their function.
What Are the First Signs of Kidney Damage from Alcohol?
Yet alcohol, especially when consumed heavily or frequently, can silently sabotage these vital functions. If you or your loved one have kidney problems caused by alcohol consumption, you may have an alcohol use disorder. At The Recovery Village Columbus, we offer compassionate, comprehensive treatment programs to help you gain lasting freedom from alcohol addiction. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to learn how we can help you achieve lasting recovery. For men, heavy alcohol use is defined as more than four drinks in a single sitting or more than 14 drinks in a week. For women, heavy drinking is defined as drinking more than three drinks in a single sitting or more than seven drinks in a day.
Can Alcohol-Induced Kidney Damage Be Reversed?
Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to kidney damage if left untreated. It’s essential to seek medical attention for persistent urinary issues. These can be divided up into medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits. Most people can live a typical life with only one working kidney. However, you may be at an increased risk of high blood pressure and Drug rehabilitation increased protein in your urine.
Excessive alcohol consumption can significantly contribute to particular kidney conditions. Binge drinking, defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI involves a sudden and rapid decline in kidney function, often due to the intense stress placed on the kidneys by the surge of alcohol and resulting toxins. While AKI can sometimes resolve, it may also lead to lasting kidney damage.
For some people, heavy alcohol use can cause kidney damage after years of consumption, while it may happen sooner for others. The relationship between alcohol and kidney cancer remains unclear. This is due to various factors that influence the risk of kidney cancer, including the amount and duration of alcohol use, individual responses, and other lifestyle does alcohol kill kidneys factors. Despite claims of potential advantages from moderate consumption, beer can have negative health implications.
Benzo Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment Methods
Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in physical activities can reduce the risk of kidney cancer (31, 32). However, the effect of alcohol on kidney function remains inconclusive. In fact, some studies show drinking alcohol has no association with kidney diseases (9). If you’re concerned about your kidney health, the best https://amorino.ro/formular/the-top-eight-relapse-triggers-and-how-to-manage/ first step is to stop drinking or reduce your alcohol intake significantly.