Alcohol acts as a diuretic because it:

• A. promotes the secretion of insulin
• B. inhibits the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
• C. stimulates the production of aldosterone
• D. increases the reabsorption of water in the kidneys

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH): ADH is a hormone that helps the kidneys manage the amount of water in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidney tubules.
2. Recognize the effect of alcohol on ADH: Alcohol inhibits the release of ADH from the pituitary gland, which reduces the kidney's ability to reabsorb water.
3. Connect the inhibition of ADH to diuretic effects: With less ADH, the kidneys allow more water to pass into the urine, leading to increased urine production (diuresis).
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Alcohol does not promote insulin secretion, stimulate aldosterone production, or increase water reabsorption in the kidneys. These processes are unrelated to alcohol's diuretic effect.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'inhibits the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)' because this directly explains how alcohol acts as a diuretic.