You may be thinking how alcohol consumption is related to kidney cancer? Does consumption cause kidney cancer? If yes, how? Don’t worry. Mykare is here to help you learn about the relationship between both.

To begin with, you must know the relation between alcohol and kidneys to study the impact of the former on the latter.

What are we waiting for? Let’s dive in.

Here’s all about the effects of alcohol on kidney function and how you can prevent it.

Alcohol and Kidneys

The kidneys are a tiny, bean-shaped organ that are commonly referred to as the body's filtering mechanism. They control the level of electrolytes and bodily fluids, as well as separate waste from blood.

Alcohol will almost never keep your kidneys healthy and functioning, so try to avoid it.

It is still not found whether kidney cancer is directly caused by alcohol. But there is an indirect connection between the two.

If you have the risk of kidney cancer, you can talk to your doctor about the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

What Effects Do Alcohol Have On Kidneys?

Kidneys, as you know, are organs that filter waste from blood. The liver breaks down alcohol, which is considered as a waste product.

Some of these compounds will be released from the kidneys when it happens. As a result, the kidneys have to work even harder to restore your blood to its normal state.

Thus, if you consume alcohol, it will provide an extra job, thereby extra pressure to your kidneys. And so, there’s a greater chance for your kidneys to stress out faster and become exhausted.

What Effects Do Alcohol Have On Kidneys?

Kidneys, as you know, are organs that filter waste from blood. The liver breaks down alcohol, which is considered as a waste product.

Some of these compounds will be released from the kidneys when it happens. As a result, the kidneys have to work even harder to restore your blood to its normal state.

Thus, if you consume alcohol, it will provide an extra job, thereby extra pressure to your kidneys. And so, there’s a greater chance for your kidneys to stress out faster and become exhausted.

The Risks Posed By Alcohol Consumption To Kidney Cancer

One of the health problems caused by alcohol intake is kidney cancer.

While the precise connection of alcohol use and kidney cancer is not found yet, that doesn’t mean you have enough evidence to ignore the risks posed by alcohol consumption to kidney cancer.

In fact, certain risk factors of kidney cancer are pretty closely linked to whether or not you’re consuming alcohol.

• Dehydration: Excess alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration. It is in turn harmful to your kidneys. If it is severe, it will increase the risk of kidney cancer.

• Hypertension: Alcohol consumption will increase your blood pressure. This damages the blood vessels in the kidneys. This can result in the risk of kidney disorders such renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

• Obesity: Do you already know that alcohol has a lot of calories and it can make you gain weight? When you consume alcohol, your body converts it to the toxic chemical acetaldehyde. Eventually, kidney cancer will develop by acetaldehyde and damage your cells and tissues.

Is Excess Alcohol Drinking Causing Kidney Cancer?

The NCI (National Cancer Institute) has observed that alcohol causes several types of cancer such as:

• Head and neck cancer

• Liver cancer

• Colon cancer

• Breast cancer

CKD: Overtime, drinking alcohol can cause kidney damage. According to the National Kidney Foundation, regular drinking doubles the chance of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). One of the main risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) is smoking, which is also increased by heavy drinking.

Acute Kidney Injury: Having four or more drinks at once is known as 'Acute Kidney Injury'. It happens when the toxins in alcohol accumulate in the blood too quickly for the kidneys to handle. It causes them to lose their ability to regulate fluid balance.

FAQs

1.Why Does My Kidney Hurt When I Drink Alcohol?

When you drink alcohol, do you feel a dull or sharp stabbing pain under your rib cage in your back? If so, the discomfort can be due to kidney stones. Another possible reason can be an anatomical problem, like a blockage in the ureteroplasty ureterum (UTI).

2.Can I Still Have an Occasional Drink if I Have Kidney Cancers?

Alcohol use can make chemotherapy side effects worse. Drinking alcohol occasionally might help lower your risk of developing kidney cancer. That being said, if you have kidney cancer, you should speak with your doctor.

3.How Much Alcohol Is Safe To Drink?

According to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS), anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer should never drink alcohol as research has shown that it increases the risk of new types of cancer. Drinking alcohol occasionally won’t be that much of a problem for those who are not affected by kidney cancer.

Things You Should Keep In Mind

• There are several indirect risk factors but no clear direct relationship between alcohol use and kidney cancer.

• Consuming alcohol in excess is linked to a higher chance of developing kidney cancer. Kidney cancer is a complex disease and the role of alcohol may be different for each individual.

• Among other things, drinking alcohol in moderation, drinking plenty of water, keeping a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet can all lower the risk of kidney cancer.

• It's critical to discuss the risks of alcohol consumption and kidney cancer with your healthcare professional for routine examinations and personalized recommendations.