5 benefits of donating blood

Every two seconds someone needs blood. There are several benefits to donating blood, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Blood is essential for life. Without blood, oxygen would not reach cells and carbon dioxide would fill blood vessels. Cancer patients and patients who have had an accident and need heart surgery or organ transplants need platelets and blood donations.

How often can I donate blood? If he donates whole blood, he can donate blood up to 6 times in a year, every 56 days. Donating blood has personal benefits, including improved heart and mental health. Read this article to learn about the benefits and possible risks of donating blood.

Donating blood can save multiple lives. There are also several health benefits for donors, including improved heart health and emotional health.

mini health check

You must complete a brief medical examination before donating blood. The health care professional will measure your pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level.

A health care worker draws blood and sends it to a laboratory. Blood is tested for at least nine different pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and HIV-2, which cause HIV. If anything tests positive, you will be notified immediately.

Physical exams and blood tests are not a reason to skip your annual medical visit, but they can provide peace of mind. Never donate blood if you suspect that you may be sick or have been infected with HIV or any other virus.

A healthier heart and vascular system

Blood flows slowly when it has a high viscosity or resistance to flow. In contrast, donating blood reduces the viscosity of the blood. This may facilitate blood flow.

Improved blood flow may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Donating blood can lower your lipid profile (coronary risk panel), which includes coronary risk tests. Repeated blood donations cause less damage to the lining of blood vessels and increase blood flow so that they are less likely to become clogged.

Improved mental well-being

Research shows that donating blood can improve your mental health. Helping others is linked to:

suppress iron content

Adults typically have about 3 to 4 grams (g) of iron in their bodies, mostly in their red blood cells but also in their bone marrow. Iron is required for growth, development, and transport of oxygen to various parts of the body.

Too little or too much iron in your blood can have negative health effects. Hemochromatosis is a disease that occurs as a result of harmful iron concentrations. Symptoms include abdominal pain, darkening of the skin, joint pain, and weakness. Donating blood frequently can lower the amount of iron in your body. Lowering your iron levels is a good thing, as long as your iron levels don't get too high.

Lower iron levels after donating blood may provide additional heart health benefits. A study published in 2014 noted that lower iron levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

When you donate one unit of blood, you lose about a quarter of a gram of iron. The food you eat in the weeks following your donation will replenish your iron levels.

Possible detoxification effect

With the help of the liver, the body can detoxify naturally. Donating blood can increase your body's detoxification ability. Blood donation has been shown to affect levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are compounds found in consumer and industrial products such as greaseproof paper and firefighting foam.

These chemicals take a long time to break down and can cause many problems, including:

• Decreased immune system response
• developmental delay
• Increased risk of some cancers and obesity
• reproductive issues

A study published in 2022 found that firefighters who donated plasma or blood over a 12-month period had lower levels of PFAS than those who did not. The donations appear to play a role in reducing chemicals in participants' bodies. Further research is needed to determine whether blood donation has other detoxifying effects.

Donating blood is generally safe. Minor side effects may occur, but donors are usually able to resume their daily activities immediately.

Side effects may include:

• dizzy
• syncope
• warmth and discomfort
• headache
• loss of color from the skin
• nausea and vomiting

To avoid side effects, you can usually drink water, eat iron-rich foods, and rest. If you feel dizzy, try lying down or sitting and resting your head between your knees. Pain relievers such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help relieve headaches.

Side effects of plasma donation

Donating blood plasma (the yellow liquid part that does not contain blood cells but contains proteins) can cause side effects similar to donating blood. These include:

To donate blood or plasma, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be over 17 years old
• healthy
• Weight 110 lbs or more

Certain health conditions may prevent you from donating blood. Experts urge people with low hemoglobin levels to refrain from donating blood. Hemoglobin is a protein that makes up red blood cells. People with anemia lack red blood cells and hemoglobin. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency.

Even people who have not yet reached menopause may find it difficult to donate blood. Premenopausal people can become iron deficient. If you are iron deficient but still want to become a donor, taking oral iron supplements may help you requalify. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplements.

There are other cases in which you may not be able to donate blood. The American Red Cross says if you have traveled to or lived in a country where there is a risk of malaria, you may be put off donating blood. There may also be a waiting period after taking medicines (such as antibiotics or blood thinners) or receiving vaccinations before you can donate blood.

Another thing to keep in mind is how often you donate blood. Donating blood too regularly can cause iron deficiency. You can donate as often as:

• If you are donating platelets, every 7 days, up to 24 times per year.
• If you donate whole blood, every 56 days, up to 6 times per year.
• If you are making a Power Red donation, every 112 days, up to 3 times per year (if the machine is used to safely donate 2 units of red blood cells)

If you want to donate blood, and you can do so safely, there are several benefits to donating blood. Benefits include getting medical checkups, supporting heart health, and even allowing your body to detox. Remember who you are really helping. It is important to recognize how important voluntary blood donors are to people in need of blood transfusions. Even if he donates one, he can save multiple lives.