Alcohol and Your Health

Is alcohol bad for my health?

Moderate drinking is usually not a problem.Some studies even say moderate drinking may help prevent heart disease. Drinking too much, however, can damage organs like the liver, heart and brain and cause serious health problems.

What is a safe level of drinking?

No more than two drinks a day for men
No more than one drink a day for women and older adults

One drink equals:

one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler
one 5-ounce glass of wine
one ounce of 100 proof whiskey.

Are there people who should not drink at all?

Yes. The following people should avoid alcohol:

women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
people taking certain over-the-counter or prescription drugs
people with health problems that can become worse from drinking
people who plan to drive or operate high-speed machinery
recovering alcoholics
people under 21.

Can alcohol hurt my kidneys?

Alcohol can hurt your kidneys because:

It increases your chance of developing high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of kidney disease.
If you have high blood pressure, alcohol can interfere with your medicines and make it harder to control your pressure. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure is more likely to damage your kidneys.

Is alcohol good for my heart?

Some studies have shown that moderate drinking may have some benefit. Heavy drinking, however, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and other serious diseases like liver disease.

Can I drink if I have diabetes?

Moderate drinking is usually okay as long as you don't do it on an empty stomach.
Drinking on an empty stomach can cause low blood sugar for several hours.

Tips for party-going when you have diabetes:

If drinks will be served, make sure to have your scheduled meal before the party.
Nibble on high-carbohydrate (not high sugar) foods during the party.
Be aware that some mixers may contain sugar.

Can I drink if I take medicine?

Check with your doctor first. Many medicines interact harmfully with alcohol.

Is alcohol more of a problem for women and older people?

It may be because:

Older people often take many medicines, some of which may interact with alcohol.
Women have a lower tolerance for alcohol because their bodies have less water, and alcohol becomes more concentrated in women's bodies.

For more information:

Speak to your doctor.
Call the National Kidney Foundation’s toll-free number at 1-800-622-9010.

^{Copyright 2008 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. No one associated with the National Kidney Foundation will answer medical questions via e-mail. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.}

Further TTP Lubbock Urology Information:

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Urology - General Information
Urology - Oncology
Urology - Pediatrics
Urology - Transplant

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