Does Alcohol Affect Your Kidneys?
Healthy kidneys work to remove excess waste, toxins, and fluid from your blood. When functioning properly, alcohol is one of the toxins that your kidneys filter from your body. However, alcohol can dehydrate your system, impairing your kidneys’ ability to function and maintain the right balance of fluids in your blood. Excessive alcohol consumption can also weaken or damage your kidneys, preventing them from filtering your blood properly. Drinking alcohol excessively can also increase your blood pressure, which over time, can cause damage to your kidneys.
When living with kidney disease, alcohol can take a toll on your body and your health. Especially when consumed excessively, alcohol can impair kidney function and may lead to serious health conditions like kidney failure. And when one part of your body is impacted, it can have an effect on other parts of your body. For example, if alcohol impacts your kidney function, it may make it difficult for your kidneys to support your heart. This can put you at an increased risk for a heart attack or even heart disease.
Another thing to consider is that alcohol can impair your judgement and motor skills, making you more susceptible to a fall or injury. It may even be a factor in forgetting to take your medications. For these reasons, if you are planning to drink alcohol, drink in moderation and talk to your doctor before you do.
