Alcohol, once in the body, is primarily metabolized in the liver into intermediate products, with acetaldehyde being a highly toxic intermediate for the liver. For the kidneys, alcohol inhibits the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the adrenal glands, increasing urine output and causing rapid fluid loss. This leads to concentrated blood and urine. This process forces the kidneys to work harder, creating conditions for kidney stone formation and bacterial growth. When mixing alcohol with soft drinks, the sugar from soft drinks causes alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream.

Many people also drink alcohol on an empty stomach. The consequence is a sudden spike in blood alcohol concentration, increasing the metabolic and excretory burden on the liver and kidneys. This also promotes urine excretion, easily leading to dehydration and increasing pressure on the urinary system.

Doctor Nguyen Quang Huy, from the Department of Nephrology - Dialysis at Tam Anh Hanoi General Hospital, recommends the following precautions to protect kidneys during the Tet holiday:

Consume alcohol in moderation, control the amount consumed, and avoid drinking beyond your body's capacity. Drinking too much alcohol in a short period or for many consecutive days not only increases the risk of alcohol poisoning but also forces the kidneys to work continuously, reducing their ability to recover.

Eat a light meal before drinking, intersperse alcoholic drinks with plain water, or eat while drinking. This helps slow down alcohol absorption, thereby limiting risks to the liver and kidneys.

Adequate rehydration after drinking alcohol is a simple but important measure for the urinary system. Water dilutes alcohol and its metabolites in the blood, while also increasing urine volume, supporting more effective kidney detoxification. Regular water intake after social gatherings also limits low urine output, dark urine, and reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.

Choosing alcohol with a clear origin and guaranteed quality contributes to protecting kidney health. Avoid unusually cheap alcohol or alcoholic beverages of unknown origin, which may contain many harmful impurities. When consumed, these increase the risk of poisoning and acute kidney damage.

Individuals with a history of kidney disease, urinary stones, recurrent urinary tract infections, or those on long-term medication need to be especially cautious when drinking alcohol. If unusual symptoms appear after drinking alcohol, such as loin pain, painful urination, frequent urination, or blood in urine, patients should go to the hospital for timely assessment and treatment to avoid long-term complications affecting kidney function.

Thu Giang