Happy Monday and happy new week! Welcome to another Mental Health Monday post.

Alcohol dependency and misuse can affect a wide range of people. It isn’t just those drinking all day, every day to be able to function. Alcohol misuse can also affect those who always need a glass or two of wine in the evening in order to ‘unwind and relax’. People in either category can experience a huge impact on both their mental and physical health. Remember – those experiencing kidney issues are not always facing problems with alcohol, but this post highlights some of the signs of kidney damage that can occur from alcohol.

As always, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor.

What are the first signs of kidney damage from alcohol?

The kidneys are crucial in the waste-filtering process. They assist in maintaining normal blood pressure and the proper ratio of chemicals and electrolytes in the blood. Since drinking has numerous negative effects on the kidneys, it might damage the kidney’s crucial functions, which are essential for our daily lives.

There are various ways that alcohol damages the kidneys. You lose water from drinking alcohol because it dehydrates you. Dehydration can harm various bodily components, but it especially affects the kidneys. Despite the kidneys’ natural ability to retain water in cases of dehydration, alcohol consumption impairs their ability to do so. The kidneys become strained from this process, unfortunately.

Although drinking alcohol can harm the kidneys, there are no particular signs of renal injury associated with alcohol consumption. However, several diseases can be due to alcoholism or other factors that harm the kidneys. Here are a few symptoms that are the first signs of kidney damage from alcohol.

1. Changes in Urination Patterns

Have you ever noticed your urine patterns? If you observe changes in your urination, you should see a doctor, as this is one of the first indicators that something may be wrong with your kidneys. You may urinate more or less than usual, notice a change in color (such as darker or foamier urine), or feel as though you need to urinate a lot. These modifications raise the possibility that your kidneys, which are responsible for eliminating waste and excess fluid from your body, aren’t functioning as well as they should.

2. Blood pressure

One of the many ways the body regulates blood pressure is through the kidneys. By reducing blood volume, the kidneys can lower blood pressure when it rises. Large fluctuations in blood pressure or persistently high blood pressure might harm the kidneys since they are extremely sensitive to pressure variations.

After consuming alcohol, blood pressure initially drops but then quickly rises, resulting in elevated blood pressure for several hours. You know you can change this when you start to say no to alcohol. You can always choose to change your path from alcohol to sober living. Consider professionals; one such spot is the alcohol hotline, which you can trust for consulting on how you can improve and leave alcohol behind to save your kidneys.

3. Back Pain or Abdominal Discomfort

Your back or abdomen may hurt if your kidneys are not functioning properly. Your kidneys may be enlarged or under pressure as a result of improper function, which causes discomfort. Seeking medical attention from a physician is crucial if you continue to experience pain in these regions, as it could indicate a kidney issue. They can assess the condition of your kidneys and help determine what’s wrong.

4. Nausea and vomiting

Waste can accumulate in your blood when your kidneys are not functioning properly. You may feel ill and maybe vomit as a result of this buildup. The severity of your kidney problems may be correlated with an increased risk of nausea and vomiting. It’s critical to notify a physician if you experience any similar symptoms so they can assist in your recovery. They can assess the state of your kidneys and choose the most effective treatment to get you feeling better.

5. Extreme fatigue

You may experience fatigue and weakness due to waste and toxins building up in your body as a result of impaired kidney function. Normally, the kidneys filter these substances out of your blood, but when they’re not working properly, waste products can accumulate and cause fatigue. In the event of such a condition, take medical advice to determine whether your kidneys are functioning normally and what steps you can take to improve your condition.

Conclusion

It’s critical to understand that these symptoms may indicate conditions other than kidney stones caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Kidney problems can be caused for various reasons. You must consult a physician if you observe any of these symptoms. They can thoroughly inspect everything and offer you sound guidance. Diagnosing issues early and seeking treatment can significantly reduce the risk of further kidney damage. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as limiting alcohol consumption, can help maintain the health of your kidneys.