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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #18204
72 days ago
145

is beer good for kidney - #18204

Arush

I am really confused and worried about my health lately. I've been hearing mixed things about how drinking beer might affect kidneys. A few weeks ago, I went to the doctor for some pain in my lower back, and they said I might have a minor kidney issue. Nothing serious, but they recommended I cut back on alcohol. But then I chatted with a friend who swears that a beer or two can actually be good for kidney health? Like, how is that even possible? I've always enjoyed a cold beer after a long day, you know, and now I'm caught in this dilemma. Is beer good for kidney health or is that just a myth? The doc didn’t really elaborate on it, and I’m just left scratching my head. I mean, I don’t want to mess up my kidneys more! I read online that moderate consumption could have some benefits, like maybe hydrating effects or preventing stones?! But I really don’t know what to believe. Can drinking beer actually help, or is it more of a risk? Trying to figure out what’s right for me here before I make any choices. What's the truth? Is beer good for kidney or should I really stop?

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Doctors' responses

The short answer to your question is that beer is not known to have any direct benefits for kidney health and in fact, can be more of a risk, particularly if you’ve already been identified with a potential kidney issue. While you might have heard that beer, and alcohol in general, can have some cardiovascular benefits, these don’t extend to your kidneys. Alcohol, when consumed excessively, can actually put additional strain on your kidneys. This happens because the primary role of kidneys is to filter blood and remove waste products and too much alcohol can lead to dehydration, increasing the workload on your kidneys. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for kidney damage, which can worsen existing kidney problems over time. While it’s true that beer is a diuretic, meaning it causes increased urine production, it doesn’t necessarily help hydrate your body as water or non-alcoholic beverages would. If your doctor suggested cutting back on alcohol, it would probably be best to follow that advice. Limiting alcohol doesn’t mean quitting entirely unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider, but moderation is key. Generally, that would mean no more than one standard drink per day for women or two for men too support overall health. If you enjoy a cold beer now and then, maybe consider alternatives like non-alcoholic beers or sparkling water with a twist of lemon, which are kinder to your kidneys. It’s wise to focus on overall hydration with water and balanced nutrition, as well as to consult with your healthcare provider about any concerns specific to your condition. Before making any significant lifestyle changes, it’s also a good idea to discuss again with your doctor to make sure it’s the right decision for your specific case.

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