The Harmful Effects of Alcohol on the Kidneys

If you or a loved one are experiencing kidney problems related to alcohol use, quitting alcohol is essential. Your kidneys filter harmful substances, including alcohol. Recognizing the early signs of kidney damage and taking steps to reduce alcohol use can help protect your Substance abuse kidneys for years to come.

  • Dehydration is a common cause you can address by increasing water intake, but other underlying medical issues might require additional treatment.
  • Even if you don’t have diabetes now, alcohol can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with weight gain and a poor diet.
  • Alcohol causes a UTI by increasing the acidity in the urine which then irritates the lining of the bladder.

Can Your Kidneys Heal from Alcohol Damage?

can drinking cause kidney pain

If you have a pinched nerve and back pain from muscle spasms, that is not going to be the cause of bacteria growing in the urine. So yes, a urinary sample (a urine culture) is how you can differentiate, but definitely consult with your physician. Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are another cause of pain in the kidney area. Urinary tract infections are a very common infection, usually caused by bacteria, but you can also get fungal urinary tract infections as well. Women are four times as likely to get UTIs as Men, and this is why.

What Constitutes Moderate Coffee Consumption?

can drinking cause kidney pain

Consuming excessive amounts of coffee can lead to an overload of caffeine, which may cause headaches, jitters, and in rare cases, kidney discomfort. A typical range for most people is up to 400 mg of caffeine daily, which roughly translates to four 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee. Caffeine is known to be a mild appetite suppresent, but when consumed in excess, it can lead to increased cravings and an increased appetite. On top of that, drinking too much coffee can also lead to dehydration and fatigue, making exercise almost impossible. Herbal teas such as ginger, hibiscus, and rooibos are especially beneficial when it comes to kidney health. They are packed with health-promoting antioxidants and have a natural soothing effect on the body, making them the perfect drink for anyone can drinking cause kidney pain looking for an alternative to coffee.

Health Categories to Explore

I have so many patients who say, “Dr. Frita, I don’t like water”, and they don’t drink it. Now let’s talk about five warning signs and symptoms of dehydration. I’m Dr. Frita, and today we’re talking about the silent kidney failure symptom. I’m giving you five signs of dehydration damaging your kidneys. I am a board-certified kidney doctor, so I can tell you firsthand that your kidneys are wondrous, masterful organs. To use apple cider vinegar for this purpose, individuals typically mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a large glass of water and consume it daily.

  • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent kidney stones and reduce the risk of kidney disease.
  • One of the kidneys’s jobs is to remove toxins from your blood.
  • This would be a UTI (urinary tract infection), and drinking alcohol can worsen the severity of a UTI.
  • Kidney issues are serious but can be manageable, especially when detected early.

Kidney Pain After Alcohol Consumption: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

The excess sugar forces the kidneys to filter more glucose, potentially leading to long-term damage. Similarly, artificial sweeteners, while not directly sugary, might have other effects. Some studies suggest they can impact gut bacteria https://schoed.com/how-to-stop-using-alcohol-as-a-coping-mechanism/ and indirectly affect kidney function. It is often advised to avoid alcohol consumption if you have kidney disease as it can result in kidney pain, among other complications.