Q: Why does wine make me pee?—Tyler, New York
A: Our bodies rid themselves of waste and excess water through urination, among other processes. Our kidneys play a pivotal role in regulating water excretion and absorption, and alcohol consumption puts excretion into overdrive. How?
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases the flushing of water from the body (you may have noticed that you need to use the restroom more frequently when drinking not just wine, but beer and spirits as well). Part of what makes alcohol a diuretic is that it inhibits vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone that regulates the kidneys' ability to reabsorb and retain water. Without vasopressin, the speed and volume at which urine fills our bladders increases.
Medical experts warn that the body's acceleration of fluid loss can lead to dehydration. To avoid this, try incorporating water before, during and after alcohol consumption to help combat that water and electrolyte loss.—Shawn Zylberberg
