Many people enjoy a casual drink after a long day or during social gatherings, as alcohol is often a part of celebrations, relaxation, and stress relief. However, many don’t consider the long-term effects alcohol can have on the body. One of the major organs alcohol affects is the kidney, vital in filtering waste and maintaining the body’s overall balance. A common question people have is whether alcohol consumption increases the risk of kidney stones.

So, does alcohol cause kidney stones? While alcohol itself doesn’t directly cause kidney stones, excessive consumption can raise the risk. This is due to its impact on hydration, mineral balance, and kidney function. To better understand this connection, it’s important to look at how the kidneys function, what kidney stones are, and the factors contributing to their formation.

What is the Main Function of a Kidney?

The kidneys are essential organs that perform vital functions for maintaining overall health. Located just below the rib cage on either side of the spine, they filter waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the bloodstream, which is then expelled from the body through urine. Each day, the kidneys process about 50 gallons of blood. They retain essential nutrients while removing harmful substances.

In addition to filtration, the kidneys also:

• Balance minerals: They regulate key minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are important for nerve and muscle function.
• Control blood pressure: Producing hormones like renin helps control blood volume and pressure.
• Red blood cells are made when the kidneys produce erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the creation of red blood cells.
• Activate vitamin D: They convert vitamin D into its active form, helping the body absorb calcium for healthy bones.

When the kidneys are functioning well, they effectively prevent waste buildup. However, if they are strained due to dehydration, poor diet, or excessive alcohol consumption, complications such as kidney stones may develop.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when there is an imbalance in the substances found in urine, which causes these substances to crystallize and form solid deposits. Kidney stones are classified based on their composition, with the most common types being:

• Calcium stones: The most common type, typically made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
• Uric acid stones: These form when urine becomes too acidic and are often linked to conditions like gout or a high-protein diet.
• Struvite stones: Typically caused by urinary tract infections, these stones can grow rapidly and become quite large.
• Cystine stones: A rare type that results from a genetic disorder causing excessive cystine excretion in urine.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones may go unnoticed when they are small and pass through the urinary tract without causing pain. However, larger stones can cause significant discomfort and serious symptoms, including:

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs: Often described as a sharp, cramping pain that comes in waves.
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin: As the stone moves through the urinary tract, the pain can shift locations.
• Pain or burning sensation during urination: Indicates irritation or blockage in the urinary tract.
• Frequent urination: The urge to urinate more often than usual.
• Blood in the urine (hematuria): May appear pink, red, or brown.
• Nausea and vomiting: Caused by the intense pain.
• Fever and chills: This may indicate an infection.

Other Causes of Kidney Stones

While alcohol can contribute to kidney stone formation, there are several other major causes, including:

• Inadequate Water Intake: Not drinking enough water leads to highly concentrated urine, which increases the likelihood of stone formation.
• High-Sodium Diet: Excess salt causes the kidneys to excrete more calcium, raising the risk of calcium-based kidney stones.
• Diets High in Oxalates: Foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate contain oxalates, which can bind with calcium and form stones.
• Excessive Protein Consumption: A diet high in animal protein increases uric acid levels, contributing to stone development.
• Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Being overweight can alter kidney function and lead to an increased risk of stones.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, and urinary tract infections can contribute to kidney stones.
• Family history and genetics: A family history of kidney stones increases an individual’s risk.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is a condition characterized by damaged kidneys that don’t filter blood as well as they should. This damage can lead to waste accumulation in the body, potentially leading to additional health issues. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss of kidney function over time. If CKD progresses, it can lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help prevent it from worsening.

Symptoms of kidney disease may include:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or face
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure
• Loss of appetite and nausea

Without proper management, kidney disease can significantly impact overall health, making early intervention critical to maintaining quality of life.

Can You Drink Alcohol with Kidney Stones?

If you have kidney stones, drinking alcohol is not recommended. Alcohol can worsen dehydration, making it more difficult for stones to pass naturally. Additionally, alcohol can irritate the urinary tract, increasing pain and discomfort. To promote kidney health, it is best to avoid alcohol until the stones have been successfully treated and passed.

Instead, focus on:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Limiting sodium and processed foods
• Consuming a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

Avoiding excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods