Beer & Ale

Potassium: ModeratePhosphorus: HigherSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Named among high-phosphorus drinks by the National Kidney Foundation — and it is also fluid and alcohol, three budgets in one glass.

On dialysis: Alcohol plus a full fluid allowance cost makes beer a poor fit on dialysis days for most people; ask your unit about your own position.

A healthier swap

Small, occasional, and agreed with your team — or alcohol-free alternatives, checked for the same phosphorus additives.

Understand the nutrients

Phosphorus

Frequently asked questions

Is alcohol allowed with kidney disease at all?

It depends on your stage, medicines and other conditions — some transplant and diabetes medicines clash with alcohol. There is no universal permission or ban; ask your own team, and be guided by them rather than by this page.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.