Dos and Don'ts of Blood Donation

Dos and Don'ts of Blood Donation

The Dos of Blood Donation

1. Drink Plenty of water:

There is a high possibility of blood pressure dropping after blood donation. Consuming sufficient water can give a wide breath to overcome it.

2. Eat Iron Rich foods:

Eating Iron-rich foods can help restore iron in your body. Food such as Pumpkin seeds, green peas, chickpeas, cashew, almonds, wholemeal bread, brown rice, sunflower seeds, apricots, meat, fish, etc., are a rich source of Iron.

3. Eat Food Rich in Vitamin C:

Optimal absorption of Iron can happen in the presence of Vitamin C. Green leafy vegetables, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, kiwi, broccoli, and capsicum are rich sources of Vitamin-C.

4. Get a Good Night's Sleep:

Prioritize getting a good night's sleep before donating blood. Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep. A well-rested body is better able to go through the blood donation process. During sleep, your body repairs and replenishes its blood cells. Adequate sleep ensures that your blood sugar levels remain consistent, that you have enough energy for the donation, and that your immune system functions properly, all of which contribute to a safe and easy donation experience.

5. Check Eligibility:

Before heading out to donate blood, be sure you match the eligibility requirements specified by most donation locations. A simple inspection can help you save time and guarantee that the process runs smoothly. In general, donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and weigh at least 45 kilograms. Meeting these basic conditions promotes blood safety and the health of both the donor and the recipient. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, contact the blood donation center directly.

6. Relax During Donation:

Take slow, deep breaths during the process. Imagine inhaling tranquility and exhaling anxiety. This rhythmic breathing helps control your blood pressure and oxygen levels, which reduces the likelihood of feeling dizzy or lightheaded. If you begin to experience any discomfort, do not hesitate to notify the medical professionals. They can modify the procedure to provide a seamless and comfortable experience for you.

Don't s before Blood Donation

1. Avoid blood donation if you are unwell or suffering from sickness:

There are numerous reasons for one feeling unwell. It could be as simple as the flu or symptoms of underlying conditions which demand medical attention. Either way, they cannot donate blood with reports that summarise your positive illness.

2. Firm no-no to Drinking and Smoking:

The donor is refused from donating blood if their blood contains traces of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and/or terrine at least 48 hours before blood donation. There are high possibilities of the receiver's body rejecting blood spiked with alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or terrine, or even leading to complications.

3. Avoid Donating on an empty stomach:

Drawing blood from your body will obviously reduce the blood levels in your body, reducing the blood pressure and causing low blood pressure for a little while. Low blood pressure can cause - fatigue, feeling cold and shivering, dizziness, etc.; donating blood on an empty stomach can worsen the condition.

4. Don't Donate After Excessive Exercise:

While that post-workout high may make you feel like a superhero, avoid donating blood for at least 24 hours after heavy activity. Strenuous exertion might temporarily reduce blood volume, affecting blood pressure and heart rate. This can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy throughout the donation process, therefore it's critical to prioritize both your safety and the quality of the blood donation. Check out our blog on top simple exercises you should avoid doing before donating blood.

5. Donate After Taking Certain Medications:

While most common medications will not disqualify you, certain antibiotics, acne treatments, and medications that affect your immune system or blood clotting capacity may necessitate a waiting period or render you temporarily ineligible. To guarantee your safety, inform your doctor or the blood donation center about any medications you are currently taking, as well as their unique blood donation requirements.

6. Don't Skip Follow-Up Appointment:

Attending follow-up appointments following blood donation is not usually required, although it is highly recommended. The blood donation center may require additional information or testing to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. These follow-up sessions are essential for ensuring a safe and efficient blood donation system. Consider it an opportunity to learn more about your blood and its ability to help others.

Benefits of Blood Donation:

Though donating blood can be a divine social act benefiting the receiver, there are a few personal physical benefits. Here is a list of benefits of donating blood:

1. Reduces possible heart diseases:

This is probably one of the biggest advantages of blood donation. Studies have shown that a regular blood donor is at a lower risk of heart disease as compared to a person who has never donated in their lifetime.

2. Reduce the Risk of Cancer:

Regularly donating blood can reduce the chances of developing cancer in the body. Every time one donates blood, the body raises the blood level by producing fresh blood. You may also reduce the Risk of getting - Throat, Lung, Liver, or Colon cancer.

3. Helps Burn Calories:

As per a case study, it is evident that regularly donating blood helps in burning fat; every bottle of blood drawn can burn 650 calories of fat. This is one of the enticing facts for new donors and for people aiming to lose weight.

4. Free Blood Screening:

Before drawing your blood, laboratories conduct numerous blood analyses, including Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, HIV, BP, diabetes, etc.; only after reports with negative results are you allowed to donate blood.

5. The Feeling of Pride and Happiness:

We have come across many circumstances where one bottle of blood saves at least three lives. It is an awesome feeling to save many lives and an experience one must undergo. Rest assured, you can be a proud donor and feel good about a successful blood donation.

6. Supports Medical Procedures:

Donated blood is essential for medical procedures such as organ transplants, childbirth, and treating blood diseases. It provides vital help by ensuring that patients have access to the blood they require for life-saving treatments and surgeries.

7. Raises Awareness:

Blood donation campaigns promote awareness about the importance of donating blood, urging others to help save lives in their areas. They educate individuals on the necessity of blood donation and encourage them to participate in this noble cause.

8. Boosts Immunity:

Blood donation activates the immune system, resulting in the generation of white blood cells and antibodies. These components have an important role in fighting infections and illnesses, hence increasing general immunity.

9. Balances Iron Levels:

Blood donation helps to control iron levels, lowering the risk of iron overdrive. Excess iron can cause liver damage and heart disease. Regular donations help to maintain a healthy balance and promote general well-being.

10. Enhances Blood Circulation:

Regular blood donation increases blood flow and circulation, which lowers the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular illness. This procedure improves oxygen transport to tissues and organs, which promotes overall health and well-being.

Disadvantages of Blood Donation:

Although there are numerous benefits of donating blood, it is accompanied by a few minor disadvantages. Here is a list of disadvantages of blood donation:

• Bleeding and Bruising at the needle prick area:

A medical person who has little or no experience can cause such injuries.

• Dizziness, Light-headedness, and Nausea:

Low blood pressure caused due to blood donation can lead to Dizziness, Nausea, and light-headedness.

• Pain:

Some donors might feel pain at the pin-prick area from where the blood is drawn.

• Weakness

A person who is weak and malnourished can experience low blood pressure after donation.

Conclusion:

Blood Donation is an act of kindness and compassion for the well-being of fellow homo-sapiens. The divine feeling of saving lives is something one must experience for oneself. One bottle of blood you donate can save three patients' lives. It is a deed that you can feel proud of.

Regular blood donation has numerous benefits, such as the - Evade possibility of being affected by Heart Diseases, the Risk of cancer, and help reduce weight by burning body fat.

Every time you donate blood, organs such as - the liver, kidneys, lungs, throat, and heart rejuvenate and recondition to perform at their best, which also acts as an anti-aging therapy.

Follow these Dos and Don'ts, and be in the know of all the precautions to keep yourself healthy and quickly rejuvenate from the reduced blood levels.

Blood Donation FAQs

Q. What is the best meal to eat after donating blood?

A. Eat Iron-rich food such as Red-meat, poultry, fish, beans, spinach, raisins, and/or iron-fortified cereals.

Q. Which fruit juice is good after blood donation?

A. Orange Juice, Amla, lime, etc., or any fruit juice, which can increase vitamin C and help hydrate your body.

Q. Which fruits are best for blood recovery?

A. Fruits include apricots, apples, bananas, grapes, pomegranates, and watermelons.