Drinking too much alcohol can negatively affect kidney function. Excessive alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Doctors often recommend that people with CKD limit their alcohol consumption.

Some research suggests there’s no harm in people with CKD having an occasional drink. A 2019 review notes that giving up alcohol may not have a protective effect on the kidneys, and some studies even suggest that light to moderate drinking may have benefits.

Still, there may be other factors related to your kidney disease that may affect your ability to consume alcohol. Following your doctor’s advice can help ensure you avoid any complications from drinking alcohol.

While people with CKD may still be able to drink occasionally, excessive drinking can lead to further kidney damage and faster disease progressionTrusted Source.

Experts recommend that people with kidney disease limit their alcohol consumption to:

  • one or two drinks per day for males age 65 and younger
  • one drink per day for females and all adults over age 65

According to a 2018 review, it’s unclear whether the above recommendations are based on physiological sex characteristics or gender.

It’s also important to avoid binge drinking, a pattern of drinking that causes your blood alcohol content to reach 0.08% or higherTrusted Source. Blood alcohol content refers to the percentage of alcohol in your blood. Research from 2020 found that binge drinking doubled the riskTrusted Source of CKD progression.

What counts as “one drink”?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismTrusted Source defines one drink as 14 grams (about 0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol. That’s equivalent to about:

  • a 12-ounce can or bottle of beer (at 5% alcohol)
  • a 5-ounce glass of wine (at 12%)
  • a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor (at 40%)

Even light alcohol consumption may not be advisable for everyone with CKD. Factors to consider include:

  • Interaction with medication: Alcohol can interact with some medications common among people with CKD. These include medications for diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist about whether it’s safe to drink alcohol with the medications you take.
  • High blood pressure: Alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which can damage your kidneys. As many as 85% of people with CKD may already have high blood pressure. Be mindful of how alcohol may affect your blood pressure if you have both conditions.
  • Fluid restriction: People with advanced CKD or end stage renal disease may need to limit how much fluid they drink in a day. Remember that alcohol counts as part of your fluid intake.
  • Dialysis: People on dialysis may still be able to drink alcohol safely but need to be concerned about their potassium and phosphorus intake. Spirits like vodka and whiskey generally contain less of these elements than wine or beer.

Alcohol may also affect your health in other ways. The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source warns that there’s no safe level of alcohol consumption.

Although light to moderate alcohol consumption may not pose a risk to some people with CKD, each individual situation is different. Additional studies are needed to clarify the effect of alcohol on the kidneys in people with CKD.

Talk with your doctor about how drinking alcohol may affect your life with CKD and your risk of other conditions.