May 12, 2005
A Toast For Your Kidneys
Alcohol in Moderation May Actually Be Good For You
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(CBS/The Early Show)
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While high blood pressure was more common in the group of men who drank moderate amounts of alcohol, this group had a decreased risk of kidney
disease. —
A similar, smaller study in women showed no protective effect of alcohol use on the risk of kidney dysfunction. Two other studies that examined the link between alcohol use and kidney health showed an increased risk of kidney dysfunction and kidney failure.
Researchers say one possible explanation for alcohol's protective effect on the kidneys may be due to its effect on so-called "good" HDL cholesterol levels. Men with the highest amounts of alcohol intake had the highest HDL cholesterol compared with men who never drank. A low HDL cholesterol level is also known to increase the risk of kidney dysfunction and eventual kidney failure.
Many of the heart-healthy benefits of moderate drinking have been attributed to its ability to increase HDL cholesterol levels. But researchers are quick to point out that their study only looked at the effects of alcohol use on kidney function and didn't evaluate any of the other potentially harmful effects of alcohol use.
By Jennifer Warner
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
© 2005, WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his first nonfiction work since "Tuesdays with Morrie."
