Kidneys play a crucial part in cleansing the body establishing the smooth functioning of other parts of the body. The other arrangements within the body must function properly to avoid any disfigurement to the rest as it may lead to several severe lifelong problems proving fatal. Many different wastes are eliminated from the body with help of the kidneys. Alcohol is one of them. Continuous drinking of alcohol may have a negative effect on the body organs mainly the kidneys. Several clinical studies show the negative long-term effects of alcohol on kidneys.
What Are Kidneys?
The kidneys are the pair of organs performing various significant functions of the body. The kidneys are located on either side of the spine or below the ribs behind the stomach. Each kidney is around 4 to 5 inches in size. The key role of the kidney is to filter the blood from the body. The kidneys are mainly responsible for the appropriate balancing of Ph levels within the body. The production of hormones and the elimination of wastes and toxins from the body are the functions of this bean-shaped organ present in our body.
If there is a blockage in the smooth flow of blood into the kidney, this condition may lead to serious health ailments. A part of or all of the kidneys can be damaged which may further lead to a condition of kidney failure.
Effect Of Alcohol On Kidneys
One of the important functions of the kidney is to flush out many harmful substances from the body. One of these harmful substances is alcohol.
Drinking alcohol acts on many parts of the body mainly kidneys. A little amount of alcohol generally has no severe effects. Although, excessive drinking that is more than four to five drinks daily can have serious repercussions on your health worsening the kidneys. Excessive drinks can cause the kidneys to decrease the ability required for blood filtration.
Acute alcohol consumption may injure the kidneys or increase the risk of chronic kidney failure causing;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Swelling in legs, ankle and face
- Decreased urination
- Exhaustion
- Difficult breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pressure pain
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
The Centres for Disease Control claims that adults drinking alcohol experience a sudden descend in kidney function leading to acute kidney failure. This disorder often departs after a time but it can generally lead to long-lasting kidney damage. Alcohol may change the nature of the kidneys creating trouble to regulate the fluids. Alcohol dehydrates the body hampering the normal functioning of the cells and organs especially the kidneys.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Alcohol On The Kidney?
The kidneys help to maintain the body’s hydration levels. Excess consumption of alcohol dehydrates your body which may have a cynical effect on the function of kidneys and other vital organs like the liver.
Effects of alcohol on kidneys are as follows;
- Body dehydration
- Interstitial nephritis
- Glomerulonephritis
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity
- May damage kidney in the long run
- Kidney failure
- Decreased urination may also have a negative effect on the kidneys
- Excess drinking may lead to high blood pressure which further may affect the kidney
- Kidney pain
Long-term effects on kidneys may bring acute health consequences for the body. When someone drinks heavily the kidneys have to work harder to filter out the alcohol from the body. If the waste is not filtered the two-health conditions that come up are high blood pressure and diabetes. These two disorders are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease. Consequently, kidney damage leads to multiple organ failures hindering the normal flow of bodily functions.
The clinical tests also show that acute kidney failure is the result of excess alcoholism, if untreated within the proper time it may prove fatal.
Proper prevention can be done by taking care of your body and health. Eating a healthy balanced diet, staying hydrated, regular exercising, less smoking, and controlled alcohol consumption are the integral flags to be preserved to evade this particular situation in many people, especially those who are struggling with alcoholism. Proper recommendations must be followed with a regular scanning of the kidneys which opens a door to preventive treatment against the long-term effect of alcohol on kidneys.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
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