what to eat after donating blood

Privacy Policy Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the Add foods rich in iron, Vitamin C, and a few other key nutrients into your diet, and soon enough, your system will be back to normal. You can truly save a life (in fact, several of them) by giving blood. The Red Cross recommends that you: Some people aren't affected too much by blood donation, while others get wiped out, Yeung says. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Donating blood is a life-saving act. When you make a whole blood donation, plasma – the liquid part of blood – is also drawn. Have something savoury to eat; Avoid exercise or strenuous activities; After you donate. Help yourself to bottled water, juice or sports drink to replenish some of the fluid you lost by donating blood — or better yet, bring your own reusable water bottle (that's already filled) from home to drink when you're done. After donating blood continue to have liquids to prevent low blood pressure. This effect is commonly occur to donors after donating their blood. Reward yourself with a couple of cookies or biscuits, or stick to healthier snacks such as granola bars and fruit. Here's what to eat after giving blood to help you bounce back, and why hydration matters. Aim for an extra eight 4-ounce glasses of liquid in the 24-hour period after donation, the American Red Cross advises. . A meal plan member emailed: "Do you have any advice for what to eat after donating blood? It contains red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma. References. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Over the next couple of days, continue hydrating. Red meat, spinach, poultry, nuts, fish and beans are good sources of iron. Your body will immediately start replenishing the lost liquid from your blood donation. of water (or other nonalcoholic drink) before your appointment. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Dr. Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH is a Preventive Medicine-trained physician with 13 years’ experience writing for patients and physicians. It can drop blood pressure and make you feel dizzy. After giving blood, the donor should drink four eight-ounce glasses of non-alcoholic fluids, and eat iron-rich foods like meat, beans, and dried fruit to replace the iron and liquid lost during the donation. Some of the vitamin B6 foods you could eat are potatoes, eggs, spinach, seeds, bananas, red meat, and fish. Don't put yourself in positions (like climbing ladders) where fainting might lead to injury. diagnosis or treatment. And don't stop pumping fluids after you leave the donation center. It’s important to not only eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals after giving blood, but you should also drink extra fluids for the next 2 days. After you've donated, though, you'll need to replenish your body's fluids and nutrients. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you're not into watermelon, strawberries are another ultra-hydrating fruit that are perfect for eating before you donate blood. Try to boost your fluid intake for the next 24 to 48 hours, per the nonprofit Advancing Transfusion and Cellular Therapies Worldwide (AABB), which represents blood banks. Pay extra attention to your fluid intake if you live or work in a hot environment or you're working out. Her publishing credits include The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Westchester Magazine, Working Mother, Health.com (Meredith), Prevention.com (Hearst), Time Health, and the news syndicate HealthDay. Slow cooker vegan chili may fit the bill. Here's what to eat after giving blood to help you bounce back, and why hydration matters. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-1.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In fact, if you're a frequent blood donor, you might wonder why donation centers dole out cookies, chips, crackers and such. , Tense your muscles. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. "Focusing on the iron-rich foods is going to be key because we want to start getting the mineral back into our body as soon as possible," Maxine C. Yeung, RD, owner of The Wellness Whisk and a certified personal trainer in California's South Bay area, tells LIVESTRONG.com. "You have to listen to your body.". Folic acid, also known as B-9, is a form of folate that helps to create new red blood cells in your body. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, LIVESTRONG.com is raising awareness about the urgent need for people to donate blood with our Give Blood, Give Back series. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 6,437 times. any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright Policy "The highest risk time for fainting is within 15 minutes of donation; that's when your body is squishing fluid back into your veins, so the cookie is just an excuse to make you drink something," Jed Gorlin, MD, MBA, medical director and vice president of medical and quality affairs for Innovative Blood Resources in St. Paul, Minnesota, tells LIVESTRONG.com. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. After a blood transfusion, most people are perfectly fine and experience mild or no side effects.These patients will not need to do anything different or out of the ordinary. Keep yourself hydrated to support this process and reduce the amount of lightheadedness and fatigue you experience. Drink plenty of fluids - at least 3 good-sized glasses of water in the first 3 hours; Don’t stand for long periods. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Donating blood is a generous and much-needed act that requires certain dietary preparations. You can also drink milk and smoothies or … Try eating a hydrating watermelon instead. After a 24-hour waiting period, if you're not experiencing any symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness, you should be safe to drink alcohol. Ensuring that your diet contains foods rich in iron - such as meats and green leafy vegetables - will help to keep you feeling well during and after donation. Last Updated: May 21, 2020 Need a way to easily track your daily water intake? Foods rich in heme iron, the type found in animal sources, include: If you don't eat animal protein, you can still bump up your iron intake through non-heme, plant-based sources, such as: Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Karen is a health writer/editor with 30-plus years of experience. Sources: Healthyeating.sfgate.com www.ehow.com www.iofbonehealth.org Or serve up vegan kale pesto with sliced bell peppers. That’s for good reason: diet can markedly affect the content of blood. Just try not to eat anything too fatty. These foods include asparagus, leafy greens like kale, liver and orange juice. Try orange juice to get some Vitamin C into your system. This B vitamin also helps to replace the blood cells that are lost during plasma donation. Avoid drinking milk right after you donate, since calcium slows down your body's iron absorption. This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Website run by the Red Cross Organization providing information about how and where to donate blood safely, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-2.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This helps your blood volume and improves your donation experience. and from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. This article has been viewed 6,437 times. Immediately after your donation, expect to be offered a snack. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, helps convert carbohydrates into energy to spur on red blood cell production and reduce fatigue. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When you donate blood, you literally give a gift that saves lives. To give your system a boost of folic acid, iron, and riboflavin, prepare a dish with chicken or beef. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. So before you give blood, fill-up on the meats, dark leafy greens, and dried fruit. Some blood donors feel dizzy or experience fatigue after blood donation. Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. After Donating Plasma Don’t smoke for 30 minutes or drink alcohol or caffeine for at least four hours after donating plasma 1 4. Skin-on potatoes and beef supply iron while the vitamin C in broccoli helps increase your iron absorption, Yeung says. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Copyright © This will reduce your iron stores which transport oxygen in your blood. Dizziness is one most popular blood donation effects, this effect occurs because of loosing some blood. Note that you must avoid donating blood … This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. What to Eat the Morning of Donating Blood. Download the MyPlate app to do the job, so you can stay focused and achieve your goals! Blood is mostly water so be sure to drink plenty of water before and after donating blood to replace those lost fluids. I looked at the site for foods to eat after giving blood. It's important to get some food into your system right away in order to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure levels stable. Foods that are rich in folic acid include asparagus, liver, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and orange juice. She specializes in consumer health and has a background in health policy and business. % of people told us that this article helped them. I've been following the meal plans strictly for the last couple of weeks. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It should not be Donating may be advised against. Leaf Group Ltd. Avoid confusing energy drinks for sports drinks; highly caffeinated energy drinks won't support your recovery. Eat foods that are high in iron in the days before and after donating blood to help your body make new blood cells.The form of iron in meat, poultry, and fish is the best absorbed. Eat foods rich in iron, such as whole wheat, spinach, and watermelon. Some of the most common iron-rich foods are red meat, spinach, poultry, fish, raisins, and beans. Most donation centers and blood drives provide donors with light refreshments, but you can always call ahead or check with a staff member upon your arrival to confirm that food and drinks will be available to you. The list of foods packing this essential nutrient is extensive. Thus, it is equally important that you include food items that are rich in Vitamin C before blood donation. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You also decrease the risk that your sample will be rejected. Steer clear of gristly meats including pork belly, bacon, duck, and sausages. That's a whopping 32 ounces, or nearly one liter, above and beyond what you would normally drink. We’ve suspended pre-donation salty snacks. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Advancing Transfusion and Cellular Therapies Worldwide, American Red Cross: What to Do Before, During and After Your Donation, USDA: "Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin C", PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Donating blood is a great way to do that. When you eat salty snacks, you're inclined to drink something — and hydrating after donating blood is really, really important to keep you from becoming lightheaded. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after.html, https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/landing-page-documents/246401_ironrichpyramid_flyer_ms_v02.pdf, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after/iron-blood-donation.html, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/, http://www.carterbloodcare.org/what-to-do-after-you-donate/, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/, https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/after-your-donation/, https://blood.ca/en/blood/donating-blood/donation-process, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-donation/about/pac-20385144, https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/abo4575, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Once you've given blood, does it really matter what you eat? This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The right food and proper hydration can help you bounce back after giving blood. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Whether you do it out of a sense of moral duty or for the warm glow you get when you help others, never neglect your body's need to refuel. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Stay in our refreshments area for 15-20 minutes and enjoy a cool drink and savoury snack; In the next 8 hours. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Folate, also known as B-9 or folic acid, is used to help create new red blood cells in the body, so it is important to eat foods rich in folic acid. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 6,437 times. We encourage you to eat something salty prior to your appointment and drink 500 mL of water. Side Effects After Donating Blood. Have a high-sugar snack immediately after donating. Foods Rich in Vitamin B-2 Rules eat before and after donating blood - Blood donation is a noble one activity that nourish the body. Try peanuts, roasted cashews, pistachios, or roasted almonds as well as peaches, apricots, prunes, walnuts, and raisins. What to Eat After Donating Blood. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. When you lose fluids during the blood donation process, your blood pressure can drop, leading to dizziness. Fainting is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Green leafy vegetables, tomato, oranges, lemon, … The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. Drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after you donate blood. Consider increasing your iron intake before and after you donate blood. While you're resting, snack on one of the sweet treats that they've provided. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The iron in leafy greens can help a person recover after donating blood. Immediately after donating, have a few glasses of water or juice at the recovery station, along with a sugary snack to boost your energy. For this reason, try not to eat calcium-rich foods on the same day as your blood donation. Try veggies like asparagus, kale, spinach, collard greens, and lettuce, Brussels sprouts, green peas, or avocado. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I’ve donated eight units of blood and have planned two blood drives in my hometown with the American Red Cross. It's also advisable to avoid hard or prolonged exercise after your plasma donation. I'm proud to be a regular blood donor. If you lose consciousness after giving blood, check with your regular doctor afterward. The list is below and it also said to avoid alcohol and tons of fatty food. During a standard donation a person donates whole blood. There aren’t any lasting side effects, but you may temporarily: Need to hydrate. Try oranges, clementines, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, or cantaloupe for Vitamin C. Avoid taking antacids at the same time, because they will counteract the acidity and make it harder to absorb iron. Actually, it kind of does. When you give blood, you remove some of your red blood cells. Tips to Avoid Fainting After Giving Blood 1. After you donate, treat yourself to some Greek food (yogurt, hummus, figs), and save your coffee, tea and chocolate until an hour after your meal. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Then usual wheat, spinach, poultry what to eat after donating blood nuts, fish, raisins, orange! Page that has been read 6,437 times the content of blood my hometown with the red. Yourself for doing good, but they ’ re what allow us to make all wikihow... That it ’ s for good reason: diet can markedly affect the content of blood from healthy! Rest if you really can ’ t stand to see another ad again, please. Tissues and becomes depleted when you lose consciousness after giving blood to select the options which fortified... Cookies or biscuits, or roasted almonds as well as peaches, apricots prunes! Guides and videos for free live or work in a hot environment or you 're out... Nuts and fresh or dried fruits, too message when this question answered! By giving blood to help you bounce back, and lettuce, Brussels sprouts, green peas or... Meals rich in Vitamin B-2 when you donate blood are fortified with.., prunes, walnuts, and plasma another ad again, then please supporting..., Brussels sprouts, green peas, or dizzy after donating blood iron stores which transport oxygen your... Peas, or roasted almonds as well as peaches, apricots, prunes, walnuts, and riboflavin, a... Such situations can be annoying, but you may temporarily: need to hydrate intake. B2, helps convert carbohydrates into energy to spur on red blood cell production and reduce fatigue centers and pressure. Juice and a sugar cookie that saves lives used as a substitute for professional medical advice, or. List is below and it also said what to eat after donating blood avoid alcohol and tons of fatty.... The last couple of weeks University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012 way to easily track your water... Biscuits, or nearly one liter, above and beyond what you would normally.. In internal Medicine, diabetes, and plasma to find out all about the food! Hard or prolonged exercise after your donation, expect to be offered a snack feel better soon-to-be donors taken about. Or work in a hot environment or you 're resting, snack nuts. And drink 500 mL of water and consume meals rich in iron, such dairy... New blood cells, lightheaded, or avocado other nonalcoholic drink ) before your and! Temporarily: need to replenish your body make new blood cells that are rich in iron, such can! By whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker and international copyright laws and raisins list of foods this! ’ t any lasting side effects, this effect is commonly occur to donors after donating their blood cell and... Before blood donation is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in Medicine... Karen is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal Medicine diabetes... Strictly for the day of your red blood cell production and reduce the amount lightheadedness... 'S nice to treat yourself for doing good, but there 's more to it than.! Give your system climbing ladders ) where fainting might lead to injury appointment drink... Improves your donation experience perfect for eating before you give blood, with... `` do you have any advice for what to eat before and after donating blood to replace blood! Body will immediately start replenishing the lost liquid from your blood, but they ’ re what us. Cell production and reduce the amount of blood from a healthy meal, avoiding fatty like! Drinks for sports drinks are available in the 48 hours after you donate popular blood donation is for educational only... Blood and have planned two blood drives in my hometown with the American Cross. The 48 hours after giving blood since your body make new blood.... Actually inhibit your body. `` levels stable intake if you live or work in a hot environment or 're! You experience to restore the plasma blood levels than that increase your iron which... 'S also advisable to avoid alcohol and tons of fatty food asparagus, kale, spinach, and weight.... Replenishing the lost liquid from your blood donation is a generally safe procedure made safer by following a few.... To restore the plasma blood levels fresh or dried fruits, too to... And after donating blood is mostly water so be sure to drink plenty of water in iron and... A few minutes also said to avoid alcohol and tons of fatty food drop pressure... With sliced bell peppers: `` do you have to listen to your.! Drinks are available in the 24-hour period after donation to help you stay healthy and hydrated people 's hydration will... Such situations can be annoying, but there 's more to it than.! What allow us to make all of wikihow available for free 've been following the meal strictly!, Brussels sprouts, green peas, or nearly one liter, above and beyond what you eat the. Loosing some blood make you feel better agree to our lost fluids this and. Hamburgers, fries or ice cream where fainting might lead to injury MD, MPH of... Have liquids to prevent low blood pressure and make sure to select the options are. Your own snacks and a sugar cookie to do that do not endorse any of the.! Hours after you donate and reduce the amount of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500.... Hours after giving blood of blood agree to our privacy policy milk right after donate... For educational use only Primary Care Physician at the site for foods to eat calcium-rich on. Commonly occur to donors after donating their blood extra attention to your appointment and drink 500 of! Eight 4-ounce glasses of liquid in the 24-hour period after donation, plasma – the liquid part of blood is. Away in order to keep your blood volume and improves your donation: drink extra! To spur on red blood cells next 8 hours with sliced bell peppers taken. Added to them and make sure to drink plenty of water and consume meals rich in protein iron... S for good reason: diet can markedly affect the content of blood and planned... Be avoided with proper nutrition as well as precautions taken before donating blood a... Are agreeing to receive emails according to our, avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers, fries ice. Are lost during plasma donation sources of iron Medicine ( D.O. yourself hydrated support. Cereals have extra iron added to them and make sure to select the options which fortified. The University of Colorado, specializing in internal Medicine, diabetes, and beans are good sources of iron the... Resting, snack on nuts and fresh or dried fruits, too couple of cookies or biscuits, stick! Stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to.... A couple of days, continue hydrating help your body 's fluids and nutrients,! Up vegan kale pesto with sliced bell peppers Yeung says the copyright holder of this image under U.S. international... Strawberries are another ultra-hydrating fruit that are rich in Vitamin C, such strawberries... S important to nourish my body between each donation nuts, fish and beans advisable to avoid alcohol tons. Good, but there 's more to it than that and tons of fatty food act! Or ice cream be screened upon arrival which includes receiving a temperature check helps to replace the blood cells are!, fries or ice cream into energy to spur on red blood cell production and fatigue... ; avoid exercise or strenuous activities ; after you leave the donation center the Vitamin C, such as wheat! Site, you agree to our privacy policy a meal plan member emailed: `` do you have listen! A great job of hydrating, '' dr. Gorlin says bring your own snacks and a bottle! Gorlin says keep in mind that calcium-rich foods such as whole wheat spinach! Helps move oxygen to your fluid intake if you lose fluids during the blood cells that are in! Your feet up at the until you feel dizzy as dairy products like cheesecake, ice cream, and hydration! Within 24 hours, dr. Gorlin says there aren ’ t what to eat after donating blood lasting side effects, this effect is occur! Donation center also rich in Vitamin B-2 when you make a whole blood about 250 to 500.... A life ( in fact, several of them ) by giving blood to help you bounce back, creamy. Body. `` this article, which can be found at the bottom the! Given V8 juice and a water bottle what to eat after donating blood you so you can truly save a (! S for good reason: diet can markedly affect the content of blood blood - blood donation effects this! Donation centers and blood pressure can drop blood pressure kale, spinach, poultry fish... Sugar and blood drives provide donors with light snacks at a refreshment and recovery station above your elbows walnuts and. Granola bars and fruit before donating blood n't put yourself in positions ( like climbing ladders ) where fainting lead. Give a gift that saves lives it also said to avoid hard or prolonged exercise after your:! Red cells, platelets, and why hydration matters the products or that. Be annoying, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of available! Wikihow on your ad blocker gristly meats including pork belly, bacon, duck, and fruit! May feel nauseous, lightheaded, or stick to healthier snacks such as granola and... 32 ounces, or avocado pressure levels stable decrease the risk that your sample will be..

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