Alcohol?

[NancyLou]

So, what's the scoop with alcohol? Is it ok to drink? I do not drink much, maybe 1 or 2 glasses of wine a week. My cardiologist wants me to drink more red wine. But now I've thrown kidney disease into the mix! I read that one glass of wine a day is ok for women with kidney disease. I will ask this question of my docs, but I'm curious what everyone here thinks....thanks!

[Hidden]

Hi,

Keep in mind that alcohol has zero nutritional value. It does have calories. Before I go any further let me state for the record that I don't drink (wine or liquor). Never have. (Okay, an occasional beer when I had pizza or ribs, but I haven't had either in almost two years)

Red wine is sweet, except Port (dry) so if diabetes is an underlying health issue then the sugar is not good for you. If you take medications for anything you might diminish their effectiveness with consumption of any alcohol. If you have high blood pressure then drinking is also not recommended.

You mentioned you have 1 or 2 glasses of wine per week. How big are the glasses?

Finally, the decision to continue to drink should be up to you and your care team. Not just the cardiologist. Everyone you see for any health issue.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

So true. Our care is a co-ordinated effort and involves much communication.

[NancyLou in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, you are absolutely correct that I should check with all of my doctors!

Re: size of glass: wine glass tasting size. 5 oz. I've measured.

By the Way: have Type 1 Diabetes. Sugar is not bad for me and not off limits. Carbs are bad, IF NOT COVERED with insulin. I know exactly how much insulin my body needs to cover a glass of wine. Most wine, as a matter of fact, drops my blood sugar a bit, unless it's super sweet wine, like a late harvest or ice wine, and I don't drink those. So.......contrary to popular belief, people with Type 1 CAN drink in moderation. But I will check with my docs. I was just curious what folks here thought. Thanks again!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

When I was in kidney failure I tried to stay away from alcohol. Like you, I like wine - white. If we went out with friends I might have a glass of wine. Now that I have had my transplant I really have to watch for things that can dehydrate me. Wine, beer work like a diuretic. Check with your health team. Prior to my transplant, drs. told me it was OK to occasionally have some wine. But things may have changed, since my transplant was over 18 years ago. Best of luck to you!

[NancyLou in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, I plan to talk to my docs. I like to hear from people who are living Day to day with the same issues I am. Sometimes it helps give some perspective to things.

[KelliC_NKF]

Moderation is key! Talk with your doctor about what is right for you. In general, 1 or 2 a week shouldn't be a problem. Excessive alcohol is not good for your overall health - including your kidneys! Here's more detailed information on the kidneys and alcohol: kidney.org/atoz/content/alc...

[NancyLou in reply to KelliC_NKF]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I don't drink much. I've always believed in "moderation" in just about everything. Thanks for the link!

[Betsysue2002]

A speaker from a home health agency told my senior center people to eat as much chicolate as we want since it's good for our heart. She didnt say chocolate is bad for kidneys though.

The point here is that conditions change things so though i know sparkling grape juice isnt as sophisticated ... hiw about that at home and sweet tea out ?

That is, of course as has been mentioned, you have diabetes.

[NancyLou in reply to Betsysue2002]

Thanks.

[Ladybug_05]

I think it depends on who you are and what your body needs are. I'm in kidney failure and due to my gout and chronic dehydration I can't even eat dishes that include alcohol, such as beer bread, sauces with wine in them, etc. It also depends on medications and other factors. I take medications all throughout the day that would interact so I just made the decision to avoid it. As long as you are mindful and keep in good communication with your docs it shouldn't be problematic. Good luck!

[NancyLou in reply to Ladybug_05]

Thanks for your input.