Does Alcohol Dehydrate You? Facts, Research, and Tips

The amount of water present in beer is not good enough to keep you hydrated. It is important to note that having higher blood sugar from consuming very sugary drinks may encourage the body to eliminate the excess sugar but may not necessarily cause dehydration. A 2020 study notes that dehydration may increase glucagon, a hormone used to maintain glucose or sugar levels in the blood. Lower levels of hydration in the body decrease the volume of the cells, which may impact a person’s blood sugar. Drinking 2–3 cups of coffee a day may be an acceptable practice to maintain moderate coffee consumption.
Effects of Alcohol on Body Water Content

This means that more fluid is eliminated from the body through urine when alcohol is consumed. Just like a factory needs the right balance of resources to operate efficiently, cells need the right balance of water and electrolytes. When alcohol throws off this balance, it’s like a wrench in the machinery, causing inefficiency and potential damage. The Hangover IV is extra hydrating as well, as we know that many of the common symptoms of hangovers are directly due to dehydration. As a side note, that’s one of the reasons why one of the best at-home hangover cures is a few glasses of water as soon as you wake up and have a headache. In fact, our locations offer a dedicated IV drip therapy for hangovers and their common symptoms.
- The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and maintaining fluid balance.
- So yes — a moderate amount of low-ABV beer counts toward water intake.
- Alcohol impacts our cognition, mood, balance (ever had a few too many and seen the world spinning?), speech and many other aspects of our physiology.
- At Ardu, you can start your treatment with medically reviewed detox practices before moving on to group therapy or individual therapy sessions for alcohol addiction.
- Studies have shown that the diuretic effect of alcohol, especially at high consumption levels, can lead to a negative fluid balance.
- Additionally, alcohol can disrupt the body’s normal fluid distribution.
- Beer can provide hydration due to its high water content, but it’s not more hydrating than water.
Symptoms of dehydration
- However, the amount you drink may make a difference, and some beverages may affect the perception of thirst differently.
- However, it’s crucial to remember that while beer does contain water, its alcohol content can lead to dehydration if consumed excessively.
- The liver processes 3/4th of an ounce of alcohol per hour, and drinking water will not make it happen faster.
- While water contains no electrolytes, beer includes trace amounts due to ingredients like hops and barley.
- Sugary drinks don’t have the same problems, unless you have difficulty regulating your blood sugar.
In people with a genetic predisposition, typically East Asians with the “Asian flush” gene, the body may struggle to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol. As acetaldehyde accumulates, it triggers skin redness and other symptoms. Alcohol seriously dehydrates your skin, so it’s working against the best interests of your complexion. Did you know that dehydration is one of the most common health issues among people in the US? Although many people know what dehydration is, few understand the reasons why it develops. When urine is less concentrated, it means that the kidneys are not effectively removing waste products from the body.
- Choosing a ginger beer over a regular beer can be a healthy alternative.
- It is essential to understand these effects to ensure we take appropriate measures to maintain proper hydration levels.
- However, research is mixed on the hydrating effects of certain beverages.
- “And this recommendation applies to people of all shapes and sizes in all temperature conditions.”
- The rule of thumb is limiting consumption to one alcoholic beverage an hour, with one glass of water also consumed for every finished alcoholic drink.
Here’s How to Really Avoid Alcohol Dehydration Symptoms

People believe that beer keeps them hydrated, but the truth is when drinking 200 ml of beer, you pass out 320 ml of water, that’s equivalent to 120 ml of dehydration. Additionally, making changes to the diet to replace dehydrating drinks may help. Over time, these changes can become habits and help correct dehydration issues. Some people may also pair liquor with other drinks and ingredients in mixed drinks. Drinks with high sugar content or caffeine combined with liquor in mixed drinks can make symptoms worse for some. Drinks containing high amounts of alcohol, caffeine, and sugar are most likely to perform as diuretics in the body and promote dehydration.

It is essential to be mindful of these hormonal changes and take appropriate measures to stay hydrated when consuming alcohol. To combat the effects of alcohol on kidney function, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Additionally, it’s wise to limit alcohol consumption and be mindful of its impact on the body. By taking care of our kidneys, we can ensure that they continue to perform their vital role in maintaining our fluid balance and overall health.
Does alcohol dehydrate you?
Imagine your kidneys as two hardworking janitors responsible for keeping the school clean and maintaining a healthy environment. They have the important task of filtering out waste and ensuring that the right amount of water is kept in the body. Furthermore, alcohol can inhibit the action of aldosterone, a hormone responsible for regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. why does beer dehydrate you This disruption can further affect fluid balance and electrolyte regulation. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. They are minerals that carry an electric charge and include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Alcohol and skin FAQ
This diuretic effect can lead to an enhanced urge for frequent urination, even in cases where the total fluid consumption may not be excessive. As a result, the body expels more water than it normally would, leading to a higher risk of dehydration. When we vomit after consuming alcohol, we are not only losing the beverage itself but also essential fluids that are necessary for maintaining hydration Alcoholics Anonymous levels. This can lead to an increased risk of dehydration, especially if vomiting occurs repeatedly or in large quantities.