Alcohol’s Effect on Kidney Function: From Diuresis to Renal Failure

The consumption of alcohol has a profound effect on the human body, from impaired brain function to liver disease to high blood pressure and even stroke. Alcohol-related death is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with 1.3 million adults receiving treatment for alcohol abuse at rehab centers in 2013, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

From the East Coast to Santa Barbara, Calif., alcohol abuse causes serious medical harm to Americans every year. But how does heavy drinking affect the body, more specifically the kidneys?

Alcohol as a Diuretic

Acute alcohol consumption causes dehydration in humans by inhibiting the production of the hormone vasopressin (ADH) by the posterior pituitary gland. Vasopressin acts throughout the body as a vasoconstrictor, constricting blood vessels and, in turn, increasing blood pressure. When vasopressin production is inhibited, vasodilation occurs instead. Vasodilation also occurs inside the kidneys, where the increased permeability of the capillaries leads to decreased water retention, sending more water to the bladder and causing dehydration.

Electrolyte Imbalance

In addition to its diuretic properties, increased urination following acute alcohol consumption removes sodium, potassium and magnesium ions from the bloodstream, which can result in headaches, fatigue and nausea. Furthermore, prolonged alcohol abuse depletes magnesium, phosphate and calcium concentrations in the blood. By this point, an alcoholic may be in serious danger and should consider visiting any one of America’s many rehab centers.

Renal Failure

With prolonged alcohol consumption, the risk of high blood pressure, parathyroid hormone resistance and renal failure increases. In conjunction with liver cirrhosis, abnormalities in circulation and blood pressure in the portal vein system can cause rapid deterioration of kidney function, ultimately resulting in death. Individuals facing hepatorenal syndrome can survive only if they receive a liver transplant.

Hospitals and rehab centers around the country, from Santa Barbara to the Midwest see thousands of patients with kidney damage from alcohol abuse every year. Whether you live in the Deep South or downtown Santa Barbara, the best way to eliminate the risk of serious kidney and liver failure is to avoid the consumption of alcohol altogether.

Natalie Benoy is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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