Discover the Surprising Health Benefits of Donating Blood
Medically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOMedically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOBlood donation is a voluntary procedure in which a pint of blood is removed and donated to someone in need due to a serious accident, surgery, or cancer. It can save lives.The American Red Cross estimates that one blood donation can save up to three lives. In the United States, one person needs blood every 2 seconds. When you donate blood, a healthcare provider conducts a quick physical exam and screens your blood for several bloodborne infections.
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Benefits of Donating Blood for the DonorDonating blood has several possible benefits. Although more research is needed, blood donations may benefit your heart. Giving blood may lower the amount of iron in the blood (high iron levels contribute to heart disease risk). This may also lead to lower blood pressure levels. Most adults have about 3 to 4 grams of iron. Iron is essential for providing organs and tissues with enough oxygen. High iron levels can be dangerous, so lowering them through regular blood donations may be beneficial. However, it is possible to have iron levels that are too low. Before donating blood, know your iron level and heart disease risk. Donating blood may also improve your mental health. People who regularly help others experience improved emotional well-being and physical health, and is linked to:Lower stress levelsFewer negative feelingsSense of belongingFree Health CheckupPeople who donate blood receive a quick health check before the procedure. A healthcare provider will perform a simple physical exam and take your vital signs. They will measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. They will also check your blood for certain contagious diseases, including:HIVHepatitis BHepatitis CSyphilisThey will notify you right away if any of the screenings are positive. Blood donation health screenings do not replace annual health physicals with your primary healthcare provider. Do not donate blood if you feel ill or are concerned that you may have a bloodborne illness.
ExplainerTo donate blood, you must meet the eligibility guidelines, which include:17 years old or olderWeigh at least 110 pounds In good health Healthy adults can donate blood every 56 days, up to six times yearly.
Why Do People Need Blood Transfusions?There are several reasons why a person might require a blood transfusion. When a person has a health condition or experiences trauma, their body may not be able to provide the organs with enough blood. Reasons a person may need a blood transfusion include:CancerTrauma or accidentSickle cell anemiaBurns Surgery Does Donating Blood Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease?Donating blood may affect your risk of heart disease. Regularly donating blood makes it less viscous, so the blood can flow more easily and with less resistance. Less viscous blood may lower your risk of heart disease because it puts less strain on the heart. This may also cause less damage to the lining of the blood vessels. One study found that regular blood donations may be linked to higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. However, more research is needed to determine if donating blood benefits your heart.Does Donating Blood Detox Your Body?The body naturally detoxifies through the liver, and regular blood donations may help remove chemicals from the blood. Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemical compounds in several household products. These chemicals may raise the risk of developmental delays, cancer, obesity, and fertility issues. One study found that people who regularly gave blood had lower levels of PFAs. More research is needed to determine whether blood donations help detoxify the body. Side Effects of Donating Blood Donating blood is safe for most healthy adults. Possible side effects include:LightheadednessDizzinessNausea Bleeding at the needle site Bruising Headache If you experience mild side effects of blood donation, plan to rest with your legs elevated after the procedure. To lower the risk of bleeding, apply pressure to the needle site and raise your arm for a few minutes. After donating blood, drink plenty of water and eat iron-rich foods. If you experience a mild headache, consider taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).
When to Call Your Healthcare ProviderCall a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms after blood donation:Pain or numbness in your arm Tender, raised bump over the needle site Dizziness or fainting after resting, drinking, and eating
What to Know Before You DonateBefore you donate blood, it’s important to know the guidelines and requirements. You must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be healthy enough to donate blood. Tell the healthcare provider conducting your health screenings if you have a chronic medical condition. People with low red blood cell levels may not be eligible to donate blood. Ask your primary healthcare provider if you can donate blood if you have anemia or low hemoglobin. You may need to wait to donate blood if you recently traveled outside the country. Traveling to a country with high rates of malaria can put you and others at risk. Ask a healthcare provider how long to wait to donate blood after international travel. Healthy adults can plan to donate blood every 56 days, up to six times yearly. They should wait eight weeks between whole blood donations and 16 weeks for red blood cell donations. It is possible to donate platelets every seven days, up to 24 times per year. What Happens During the Donation?You may be feeling unsure or anxious about donating blood. Knowing what to expect can help. When you arrive at a donation site, you will be asked to check in and provide photo identification. A trained healthcare provider will perform a quick physical exam and blood draw.To donate whole blood, you will sit in a chair or recliner. You may lie down, especially if you feel dizzy during or after the procedure. A healthcare provider will inspect the veins in your arm and clean a small skin area. They will insert a sterile needle and connect the tubing to collect blood. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to collect a pint of blood. Once finished, the provider will remove the needle, apply gauze, and hold pressure on the needle site. After donating blood, consider staying at the site to rest. Most organizations provide water and snacks to people after their donation. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, tell the healthcare provider. Follow-Up Care After You Give Blood The same advice can be given before and after donating blood. Plan to drink extra water before and after donating blood, eat a light, healthy meal before, and have a snack afterward. To make your blood donation experience faster and easier, plan to wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved shirt. You may also bring a book or listen to music or a podcast during the procedure. After donating blood, rest with your legs elevated. Avoid high-intensity physical workouts that day. Plan to eat iron-rich foods like eggs, salmon, or whole grains. If you feel unwell after giving blood, tell one of the staff members right away. Summary Blood donation is a voluntary procedure in which blood is removed and donated. There are several reasons why a person may require a blood transfusion, including trauma, cancer, sickle cell anemia, surgery, or burns. Research has found that helping others improves mood, enhances emotional well-being, and increases a sense of belonging. Regularly donating blood may also lower one's risk of heart disease. When donating blood, plan to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Rest after the procedure and eat a small snack. If you feel unwell after blood donation, tell an onsite staff member. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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