Notably, these mechanisms have not yet been validated experimentally in the kidney. Additional research is needed to clarify if alcohol does indeed promote kidney injury and the mechanisms by which alcohol-induced kidney injury may occur. does alcohol damage the kidneys Age, primary diseases, initial eGFR, and individual differences can also affect the prognosis of patients with CKD and interfere with the effects of alcohol on the kidneys 7,10,67,94. Since aging, metabolic diseases, and hypertension impair kidney function, they can also influence the effect of ethanol on the kidneys. Thus, the risk of kidney damage from alcohol increases with age, metabolic diseases, hypertension, and initial eGFR. However, Buja et al. suggested an inverse linear relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of age-related loss of renal function 90.
- Please follow individual advice that is set for you by your renal team and dietician, and if you aren’t sure if you should be following any specific diet, please speak with your medical team.
- Studies suggest that ethanol consumption may increase renal expression of other potential sources of free radicals involving a family of enzymes called nitric oxide synthases (Tirapelli et al. 2012).
- If you have specific concerns about alcohol and your kidney health, it’s best to get personal medical care.
- Our study supports a causal effect of alcohol use on a higher risk of ESKD and related predisposing comorbidities.
Association between total alcohol intake and change in the eGFR over 12 years
Moreover, ethanol-induced kidney injury correlates with leukocyte infiltration and activation without oxidative ethanol catabolism by CYP2E1 28. Specific effects of drinking patterns have been demonstrated in a study of ischemic heart diseases 76. This meta-analysis found a significant difference when comparing episodic heavy drinkers with moderate regular drinkers; the former increases the risk of ischemic heart diseases 115.
Can drinking cause kidney cancer? Risks and preventions
Drinking alcohol can affect many parts of your body, including your kidneys. A little alcohol—one or two drinks now and then—usually has no serious effects. Although red wine is often celebrated for its heart-protective properties, drinking alcohol isn’t risk-free. Excessive alcohol intake, in particular, can adversely impact various aspects of your well-being, from your immediate safety to your long-term health.
Which Drugs are Harmful to Your Kidneys?
Drinking alcohol to excess is linked to several health problems, including liver disease and an increased risk of some cancers (not to mention risks from drunk driving or accidental injuries while intoxicated). Hence, we sought to examine the association of alcohol consumption with the change and rapid decline in kidney function over 12 years in a South Korean population-based cohort study. Evidence also exists that alcohol-related damage to the liver, in particular advanced liver cirrhosis, leads to hepatorenal syndrome (HRS)—a deterioration in renal function related to impaired circulation. The underlying mechanisms involved in the development and progression of HRS are incompletely understood, although it is plausible that the altered balance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator factors plays a significant role (Lenz 2005).
Potential confounding factors of alcohol consumption
Some enzymes that are necessary for ethanol metabolism, such as alcohol dehydrogenase, CYP2E1, and CYP24A1, have been found in the kidneys 22,23. Furthermore, approximately 10% of ingested ethanol is excreted by the kidneys in its original form 21. Therefore, excessive alcohol consumption places a major strain on the normal metabolic processes of the kidneys.
Among their many tasks, kidneys release hormones that help regulate blood pressure. “As kidneys get damaged, you develop high blood pressure, and as you get high blood pressure, you can damage your kidneys,” adds Langham. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial public health problem, affecting 15.7 million people age 12 and older in the United States (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality 2016). In 2012, 5.9 percent of all global deaths were attributable to alcohol—7.6 percent for men and 4.0 percent for women.
- In addition to the severity of the damage, the kidney’s ability to recover depends on the duration and intensity of alcohol consumption and the individual’s overall health.
- However, during chronic ethanol consumption, the body also uses CYP2E1 in the liver as well as the kidneys.
- Evidence also exists that alcohol-related damage to the liver, in particular advanced liver cirrhosis, leads to hepatorenal syndrome (HRS)—a deterioration in renal function related to impaired circulation.
- Therefore, while some might claim that red wine protects the kidneys and overall health, recent research findings suggest this claim needs careful reconsideration.
- Kidney pain usually appears in the back, on either side of the spine, just under the ribs.
- Probably the only time we think about our kidneys is when we joke about selling one to afford the newest Apple gadget.
Alcohol and Your Kidney Health: Here’s What to Know
A Japanese cohort study also found that CKD is an independent risk factor for higher rates of stroke in men and women. Furthermore, moderate alcohol consumption appears to be harmful in patients with CKD because it increases the incidence of cerebral hemorrhages 14,89. Another noteworthy problem is alcohol consumption in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In recent years, CKD has become one of the most serious global public health problems.