As the fifth major cause of death in men and women, it has inspired decades of research illuminating alcohol addiction’s severe effects on both physical and mental well-being. But be aware of caffeine’s possible side effects and be ready to cut back if needed. If caffeine affects you, even https://tfi.co.ke/2025/11/03/a-guide-to-accounting-consulting/ small amounts may give you effects that you don’t want, such as being restless or not being able to sleep. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that caffeine in powder or liquid form can give toxic levels of caffeine.
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While the harmful effects of alcohol on the kidneys are a lesser-discussed topic, they are no less significant. Your kidneys deserve your care and attention, so let’s raise awareness and make informed choices about alcohol consumption. Your kidneys filter waste products from your blood and help control your blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production.
How the Kidneys Function and Where They Are Located
When worrying about how alcohol affects the kidneys, many wonder, “Can alcohol cause kidney stones?” Dehydration can, and excessive alcohol consumption quickly induces dehydration. A kidney infection may begin in the tube that carries urine from the body (urethra) or in the bladder. Blood thinners are often used to prevent blood clots for people who are at high risk of having one, including people living with atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate). Some examples include warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). So, lower doses may be needed in CKD since it will take longer for the medicines to leave your body, increasing your risk for severe bleeding. For people with glomerular disease, treatment includes medications such as steroids or other medications that decrease inflammation (swelling) in the kidney.
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Reducing alcohol intake, staying well-hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can all contribute to kidney health. In the UK, excessive drinking is often normalised and people don’t understand the real impact it can have on your health. Many people wouldn’t know what is considered a ‘reasonable’ or ‘healthy’ amount of alcohol. Many individuals drink more than the recommended units per week within a single day. According to experts, binge drinking can raise a person’s blood pressure significantly which can lead kidney pain from drinking to ‘acute kidney injury’. In these cases, dialysis is needed to get the kidneys working back to normal function.
Acute Kidney Injury
Dehydration is a natural result of the diuretic effect of alcohol. You may notice that after a night of drinking, you feel thirstier than normal or experience a dry mouth. Beyond these immediate symptoms, dehydration can have adverse effects on kidney function.
- Understanding the relationship between alcohol and kidney health is critical for recognizing symptoms, seeking appropriate treatment, and making informed decisions about recovery.
- These areas include the back of your abdomen and under your rib cage on both sides of your spine.
- The risk is even higher in people who drink heavily and also smoke.
- For those struggling with alcohol dependence, counseling, detox programs, and rehabilitation services can help manage both addiction and kidney health.
- Kidneys are essential to keeping the body healthy and free of harmful substances such as alcohol.
Talk with your healthcare professional about these risks and benefits to see how they apply to your personal situation. Some PPIs are available over the counter or OTC, which Substance abuse means you can buy them without a prescription. These include omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR), lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) and omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid OTC). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a type of medication used to lower the level of acid in your stomach.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no so-called “safe” level of alcohol consumption, and the more alcohol a person drinks, the greater their risk of health issues. This can result in chronic high blood pressure, which damages kidney blood vessels. For people who already have hypertension, alcohol accelerates kidney decline. Repeated over time, this strain can cause inflammation and oxidative stress inside your kidneys—damaging the nephrons, the tiny filtering units inside each kidney. You can monitor this damage early by using urine protein test strips to check for elevated protein levels.
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The pain may worsen when you try to lie flat on your back or when you take deep breaths. There are no specific studies suggesting that certain types of alcohol are worse on the kidneys than others. Explore how to reduce proteinuria to support kidney recovery during detox and repair. If untreated, these conditions can progress to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or transplant. Acute kidney injury often goes unnoticed but is a critical warning sign of worsening kidney function.
Standard treatments for kidney pain
You may also have limits on how much water can be in the foods you eat and how much you drink. They may also advise you to take specific amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D. This diet helps because if your kidneys are damaged, it’s harder for them to get those nutrients out of your blood.
- In most cases, the recommended medication can still be used – just at a lower dose or given less often.
- Chronic use may lead to inflammation and long-term damage to kidney tissues, contributing to a range of health issues.
- They may also advise you to take specific amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D.
Repeated episodes of binge drinking heighten the risk of long-term kidney damage and may accelerate the progression of any underlying kidney issues. Many people wonder if drinking alcohol can cause kidney pain, and the answer is yes – alcohol consumption can indeed lead to kidney discomfort and potential damage. Understanding this connection is crucial for maintaining kidney health and preventing serious complications.
People who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant and those who breastfeed should talk with their healthcare professionals about limiting caffeine. The plan you and your doctor will decide on will depend on what’s causing your kidney disease. In some cases, even when the cause of your condition is controlled, your kidney disease will worsen. A kidney transplant might not be right for you if you have other medical conditions. And you may need to go on a waitlist until a kidney is available.
In some cases, severe alcohol use in a short period can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is a rapid decline in kidney function that may appear alongside other health issues, such as rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle tissue). This condition can cause muscle proteins to enter the bloodstream and clog kidney filters. Short-term alcohol consumption can lead to acute spikes in blood pressure. Although moderate changes in blood pressure after drinking may not cause immediate alarm, recurrent short-term elevations contribute to long-term hypertension risks.