Alcohol makes you pee more because it is a diuretic, meaning it promotes water loss through urine. It does this by inhibiting the release of the hormone vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone or ADH), which normally signals the kidneys to retain water. When alcohol suppresses vasopressin, the kidneys release more water, causing the bladder to fill faster and increasing the frequency of urination. This effect can also lead to dehydration because the body loses more fluid than it takes in.
Additionally, alcohol is a liquid that tips the balance in your blood plasma to more fluid than particles, prompting the kidneys to release more urine. The diuretic effect varies with the strength and type of alcohol, your hydration status before drinking, and how frequently you consume alcohol.
In summary, the suppression of vasopressin by alcohol and its liquid nature are the main reasons alcohol makes you pee more frequently.
