Kidney Disease

Some research has reported that excessive alcohol consumption may damage kidney function and can also worsen kidney disease.

The National Kidney Foundation states that, “drinking alcohol can affect many parts of your body, including your kidneys. A little alcohol—one or two drinks now and then—usually has no serious effects. But drinking too much can harm your health. It can also worsen kidney disease.”¹

They add that, “[t]oo much alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. People who drink too much are more likely to have high blood pressure. And medications for high blood pressure can be affected by alcohol. High blood pressure is a common cause of kidney disease. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of having high blood pressure.”²

According to the National Institutes of Health: “Alcohol consumption has also been associated with decreased risks of kidney cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in multiple studies. However, any potential benefits of alcohol consumption for reducing the risks of some cancers are likely outweighed by the harms of alcohol consumption.“³