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The limits are different for men and women, because men usually weigh more and alcohol is processed differently by the sexes. One reason is that women have less water in their bodies, so the alcohol becomes more concentrated. The risk for alcohol-related diseases is also higher in women than in men. Some medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, may interact with alcohol.
Alcohol can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and make them less able to filter your blood. In addition to filtering blood, your kidneys do many other important jobs. Preventing the risk of kidney disease entails taking care of your heart and weight. This might mean eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. For most people, simply scaling back drinks to one or two a week is enough to dodge this particular bullet.
How Common Are Alcohol-Related Deaths & Alcohol Use Disorder in Oregon?
Over time, these molecules may accumulate in the kidneys and cause damage that leads to kidney disease and, eventually, kidney failure. There is some controversy about how much alcohol contributes to kidney disease. However, AUD does cause liver and cardiovascular diseases, both of which reduce kidney function. AUD damages other organs systems too, including the gastrointestinal tract and even muscle tissue (“rhabdomyolysis”, the breakdown of muscle tissue).
Under the influence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), for example, the tubules can create either a concentrated urine, to discharge excess solutes and conserve water, or a dilute urine, to remove extra water from body fluids. In the absence of ADH, when body fluids are overly dilute, the kidneys dilute the urine, alcohol and kidneys allowing more water to leave the body. “Normal” urine flow rate is 1 milliliter per minute (i.e., approximately 1 to 1.5 L/day), but this rate can vary widely, depending on water intake or dehydration level, for instance. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of having high blood pressure.
Acid-Base Balance Effects
If you do choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than one to two drinks per day. A drink in this instance is equivalent to a 5 oz glass of wine, 12 oz beer, or a single shot (1.5 oz) of 80-proof hard liquor. Heavy drinking can also cause liver disease, which also makes your kidneys work harder. If you or a loved one are concerned about your alcohol consumption, you may be suffering fromalcohol use disorder.
It is important to note that alcohol can be particularly dangerous to withdraw from, and it is not recommended you take a “cold turkey” approach to stopping alcohol use. It is best to consult with a medical https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-during-addiction-recovery/ or mental health professional to discuss the best treatment options for you. As a diuretic, alcohol can also lead to dehydration and an imbalance of important minerals, nutrients, and electrolytes.
Managing Blood Sugar and Chronic Kidney Disease
Alcoholic kidney disease is a condition that can develop over time with excessive alcohol consumption. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of this condition so that you can take steps to manage it and prevent further damage to your kidneys. Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease and may even help to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Secondly, alcohol can also cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys. Research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption can cause a condition called alcoholic kidney disease, which is characterized by inflammation and scarring of the kidney tissue. Cancer experts strongly recommend not drinking alcohol at all due to its potentially harmful effects on the body.
