New Dietary Guidelines Raise Concerns About Alcohol's Impact on Kidney Health

Experts advise nuanced, patient-specific approaches to counseling on alcohol consumption

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have removed specific numerical limits on daily alcohol intake, instead advising adults to 'consume less alcohol for better overall health.' This change has raised concerns among nephrologists about how to effectively counsel patients, particularly those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or other risk factors, on the potential impacts of alcohol consumption on kidney health.

Why it matters

While the effects of alcohol on the kidneys have been mixed in research, a growing body of evidence suggests that even moderate alcohol intake may pose risks for individuals with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome and other conditions. Nephrologists need to understand how alcohol can influence renal function through multiple pathways, both directly and indirectly, in order to provide appropriate guidance to patients.

The details

Alcohol can impact the kidneys through mechanisms like sustained hypertension, oxidative stress, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and increased systemic inflammation. It can also indirectly worsen renal dysfunction by contributing to liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and rhabdomyolysis. Heavy alcohol use has been linked to increased risk of albuminuria, accelerated eGFR decline, and acute kidney injury, particularly in patients with hypertension, diabetes, or exposure to nephrotoxic agents.

  • The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were recently released.

The players

Suzanne Watnick

A professor of medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle, and an American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Health Policy Scholar and chair of the ASN Policy and Advocacy Committee.

David Shusterman

The chief physician and founder of Modern Urologist in New York City and Forest Hills.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.