Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function. Managing CKD requires supportive care which includes dietary changes. These dietary changes can be elucidated by a qualified Renal Dietitian who can best understand your kidney related woes. Whilst a kidney diet includes restriction of several nutrients like salt, proteins, etc, but guidelines on certain items like alcohol remain unclear. Hence, this blog explores the effects of alcohol on CKD, providing insights into how alcohol use can impact kidney health
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD occurs when the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood effectively. This damage can be caused by various factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, certain hereditary disorders or reasons unknown. Dietary management of CKD involves slowing the progression of the disease by restricting certain nutrients.
How Alcohol Affects the Kidneys – explained by a Renal Dietitian
Our renal dietitian – Dr Rachana Jasani explains that alcohol works as a diuretic in the body, which means it can increase the production of urine by the kidneys. Excessive outflow of fluids in the form of urine can lead to dehydration. Dehydration (especially in diabetics) is harmful to the kidneys as it reduces blood flow to these organs, impairing their ability to function properly. Chronic and large amount of alcohol consumption can have several negative effects on kidney health, including:
1. Increased Blood Pressure: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, a significant risk factor for CKD. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste.
2. Dehydration: Alcohol-induced dehydration can strain the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter blood and remove toxins from the body.
3. Electrolyte Imbalance: Alcohol can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. This imbalance can affect kidney function and lead to complications in CKD patients
4. Kidney Stones: Alcohol can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, which are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. These stones can cause severe pain and further damage to the kidneys. Hence, Renal Dietitians recommend restriction of alcohol in chronic kidney disease
Alcohol and CKD Progression
For individuals with CKD, regular consumption of larger quantities of alcohol can accelerate the progression kidney disease. As kidneys of CKD patients are already compromised, alcohol can put additional burden on kidneys. Some key points to consider include:
1. Limit frequency and quantity: While it is not mandatory to observe complete cessation of alcohol but at the same point limiting the quantity is vital. Our renal dietitian explains limiting alcohol intake to reduce the risk of complications not only of CKD but other organs related complications too
2. Be watchful if you have diabetes: If you are a diabetic, on insulin and prefer alcohol on empty stomach it may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Hence, it is important that you take alcohol in a limited quantity but along with alcohol prefer eating a small snack like poha tikkis or stir fried sweet corn or corn croquets (for more such kidney friendly recipes, you can subscribe to our recipes course, click here to join)
3. Consult your doctor: If you are already on diuretics and if you take alcohol, the effect of both can lead to dehydration which can be detrimental for your blood pressure. Always consult your kidney doctor about the medicines that can and cannot be taken with alcohol
Our renal dietitian explains when not to drink alcohol:
1. If you have swelling: In advanced stages of CKD, you may notice that your kidneys are not able to flush out as much fluids that you have been drinking. Hence, avoid any extra fluids especially unhealthy ones like alcohol
2. If you have high uric acid levels: Uric acid levels may increase with regular alcohol intake and hence you should avoid alcohol if you have high uric acid levels in blood
3. If you have high blood pressure (BP): Our renal dietitian explains that alcohol can elevate your BP which can prove to be dangerous with chronic kidney disease, hence you should avoid alcohol if you have high BP
4. If you have low blood sugars: If you have type 1 diabetes and are on insulin, then taking alcohol without food intake can lead to dangerous complications like hypoglycemia
5. If you have electrolyte imbalance: In advanced stages of CKD, you have high levels of potassium which is known as hyperkalemia. This condition is detrimental as it can lead to arrythmia (irregular heart beats).
Conclusion
The use of alcohol in individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease requires careful consideration and also moderation is the key. Above tips are few of the best tips shared by our renal dietitian. By making informed choices and following medical advice, CKD patients can protect their kidney health and slow the progression of the disease.
At NutriKonnect, we have one-to-one diet consultation sessions with a comprehensive follow up. You can avail our advance or premium session if you need innvovative recipes for kidney disease. For tasty and healthy kidney – friendly lunch and dinner menus and desserts, you can avail our recipe course, click here to gain access.
If you have any queries related to kidney diet, feel free to post them here . We shall revert back on them soon.
