Will drinking too much alcohol cause you to have kidney stones? Kidney stones (1) are the buildup of salts and minerals found in urine. These buildups can often stay in the kidneys and go unnoticed for years. Occasionally, however, these buildups may break free from the kidneys to travel throughout the urinary tract. This painful process can be unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst. Though alcohol has not been shown to directly cause kidney stones, it does play an important factor in kidney health and function.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the negative effects of an alcohol use disorder, help is available. Guardian Recovery is a national leader in providing quality substance use treatment. Our network of highly qualified clinicians are committed to ensuring that you or your loved one will receive the tools they need for a life of recovery. Call today to speak with a treatment advisor. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the treatment process. They are also available to conduct a no obligation insurance check over the phone. The first step towards your recovery journey can start today. Contact us to learn more.
Your Teen's Transformation Starts
Here
Choose recovery and take control of your life, it’s the path to a brighter future filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Renal System?
The renal system (2) is the network of organs responsible for the formation and expulsion of urine. It includes the kidneys, where urine is produced, and the ureters, bladder, and urethra. A properly functioning renal system is crucial to overall health.
Alcohol consumption (3) places added stress on the renal system. Alcohol requires each of the components, especially the kidneys, to work harder than normal filtering out this toxic substance. This added stress causes the kidneys to become less effective at filtering out other potentially harmful substances.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase blood pressure. People who drink more than two drinks each day have a significantly higher risk for developing high blood pressure than those who drink less. High blood pressure is a leading cause in kidney diseases affecting the entire renal system.
Common Symptoms Caused by Kidney Stones
Typically, kidney stones will not cause symptoms unless they move around the kidney or ureters (the tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder). These symptoms can include:
- Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- A persistent need to urinate, urinating more often than usual or urinating in small amounts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
Risk Factors for Developing Kidney Stones
The most common risk factor (4) for developing kidney stones is not drinking enough water. Adequate water consumption is required for the proper flushing of the renal system. This will keep the organs involved in the renal system free from obstructions causing the buildup of kidney stones.
Other risk factors for kidney stones include:
- Obesity
- High sugar or salt foods
- Genetic predisposition
Complimentary Insurance Check
Find Out Today!
"*" indicates required fields
How Dehydration From Alcohol Use Affects Development of Kidney Stones
Alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it will cause fluid and mineral loss (5) through excessive urination. These fluids are responsible for the proper function and health of the kidneys. Without proper hydration minerals in the renal system can build up into a kidney stone. Staying away from consuming large amounts of alcohol will allow the body to maintain healthy levels of fluids.
Should You Consume Alcohol if You Have Kidney Stones?
Though moderate amounts of alcohol is considered safe, excessive alcohol consumption can pose potential risks related to kidney stones. Proper hydration is important when addressing kidney stones. As the body attempts to pass these stones, it will require enough fluids to properly flush out the urinary system. The excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to dehydration. This can prevent the kidneys from proper flushing causing prolonged kidney stone symptoms.
Can Drinking Wine Moderately Actually Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones?
When used in moderation, some alcohol has been shown to decrease the risks of developing kidney stones. According to a recent study (6), wine was shown to reduce the risk for kidney stones by 33%. The appropriate amount of wine recommended was no more than 5 ounces each day. Excessive wine consumption, however, was shown to increase the chances of kidney stones due to dehydration.
This recent study suggests that wine may be beneficial in reducing the risk of kidney stones because it does not break down into the harmful chemicals that makeup kidney stones. Too much sugar or salt can metabolize into mineral deposits that can build up and become lodged in the kidneys. When wine is consumed, it can provide antioxidants for removing these mineral deposits.
Potential Health & Kidney Issues That Can Be Caused by Alcohol Consumption
When consumed in high amounts, alcohol can be potentially dangerous to the kidneys. The kidneys are the filter of the body. As alcohol is consumed in excess, the kidneys are placed under stress from the amount of filtration required. This risk is also compounded when factoring in the dehydration that comes as a result of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a diuretic causing increased fluid loss through urination. This fluid loss can cause dehydration that may limit the function and health of the kidneys.
Smoking & Drinking Can Increase Likelihood of Kidney Disease
Smoking and drinking have both been shown to increase blood pressure. High blood pressure has been repeatedly shown to increase the risk for kidney disease. The combination of both smoking and drinking can multiply these risk factors.
Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Seeking Substance Use Treatment
If you or someone you love has begun to develop symptoms of a substance use disorder, there is hope. Guardian Recovery is here to help. Our team of highly trained addiction professionals are committed to providing you with the highest quality of substance use treatment. Your journey to a lifestyle of recovery can begin today with one simple phone call. Our treatment advisors are available day or night to answer questions and help guide you toward your best treatment options. Contact Guardian Recovery today.
SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Do I have an Addiction issue?
Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-stones
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538339/#:~:text=The%20renal%20system%20consists%20of,essential%20substances%20in%20the%20blood.
- https://www.kidney.org/news/kidneyCare/winter10/AlcoholAffects
- https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones#:~:text=Possible%20causes%20include%20drinking%20too,of%20developing%20a%20kidney%20stone.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-alcohol-dehydrate-you#causes
- https://urologyspecialistsnc.com/wine-prevent-kidney-stones/