what to eat after donating blood

If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. 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. I’ve learned that it’s important to nourish my body between each donation. 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. You can truly save a life (in fact, several of them) by giving blood. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. Try veggies like asparagus, kale, spinach, collard greens, and lettuce, Brussels sprouts, green peas, or avocado. When you give blood, you remove some of your red blood cells. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-6.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-5.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Actually, it kind of does. Dizziness is one most popular blood donation effects, this effect occurs because of loosing some blood. So before you give blood, fill-up on the meats, dark leafy greens, and dried fruit. This article has been viewed 6,437 times. After Donating Plasma Don’t smoke for 30 minutes or drink alcohol or caffeine for at least four hours after donating plasma 1 4. Foods Rich in Vitamin B-2 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. When you donate blood, you literally give a gift that saves lives. If you're eating properly but are still experiencing any negative side effects such as dizziness or nausea following your donation, call your doctor or a representative at the blood drive or donation center to discuss your symptoms. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Try orange juice to get some Vitamin C into your system. When you lose fluids during the blood donation process, your blood pressure can drop, leading to dizziness. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-3.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers, fries or ice cream. The iron in leafy greens can help a person recover after donating blood. Copyright © 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. She specializes in consumer health and has a background in health policy and business. The Red Cross recommends that you: Some people aren't affected too much by blood donation, while others get wiped out, Yeung says. Need a way to easily track your daily water intake? 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. This article has been viewed 6,437 times. Water and sports drinks are available in the canteen area after donation to help you stay healthy and hydrated. Some blood donors feel dizzy or experience fatigue after blood donation. You should drink plenty of water and consume meals rich in protein and iron to restore the plasma blood levels. Some of the vitamin B6 foods you could eat are potatoes, eggs, spinach, seeds, bananas, red meat, and fish. Here's what to eat after giving blood to help you bounce back, and why hydration matters. If this happens, it should only last a few minutes. Once you've given blood, does it really matter what you eat? Don't put yourself in positions (like climbing ladders) where fainting might lead to injury. Your body burns around 600 calories in the 48 hours after giving blood since your body is working on replacing the blood. from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Drink plenty of fluids - at least 3 good-sized glasses of water in the first 3 hours; Don’t stand for long periods. Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. Rarely, some people can react badly to the transfused blood, meaning that the transfusion may need to be aborted and the patient may need other types of medical care. Additional tips for the day of your donation: Drink an extra 16 oz. Reward yourself with a couple of cookies or biscuits, or stick to healthier snacks such as granola bars and fruit. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Keep in mind that calcium-rich foods such as dairy products can actually inhibit your body's ability to absorb iron. Snack on nuts and fresh or dried fruits, too. Fainting is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. 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. In fact, if you're a frequent blood donor, you might wonder why donation centers dole out cookies, chips, crackers and such. Copyright Policy from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Download the MyPlate app to do the job, so you can stay focused and achieve your goals! Eating iron-rich foods after donating blood will help your body make new blood cells. used as a substitute for professional medical advice, You also decrease the risk that your sample will be rejected. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Here are some high-in-C options, according to the USDA: A meal of roasted beef with potatoes and broccoli provides the right combination of nutrients your body needs after giving blood. For this reason, try not to eat calcium-rich foods on the same day as your blood donation. Try peanuts, roasted cashews, pistachios, or roasted almonds as well as peaches, apricots, prunes, walnuts, and raisins. Peanut butter and nuts are also rich in iron. % of people told us that this article helped them. The right food and proper hydration can help you bounce back after giving blood. The list is below and it also said to avoid alcohol and tons of fatty food. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Immediately after donating, have a few glasses of water or juice at the recovery station, along with a sugary snack to boost your energy. Or serve up vegan kale pesto with sliced bell peppers. diagnosis or treatment. Karen is a health writer/editor with 30-plus years of experience. {"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. Drink a lot of water and eat a little more then usual. That's especially important if you rely on plant proteins, Yeung says. Usually the amount of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc. If you lose consciousness after giving blood, check with your regular doctor afterward. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, can help your body absorb iron after donating blood. Red meat, spinach, poultry, nuts, fish and beans are good sources of iron. This effect is commonly occur to donors after donating their blood. Thus, it is equally important that you include food items that are rich in Vitamin C before blood donation. Blood is mostly water so be sure to drink plenty of water before and after donating blood to replace those lost fluids. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This helps your blood volume and improves your donation experience. It can drop blood pressure and make you feel dizzy. Avoid confusing energy drinks for sports drinks; highly caffeinated energy drinks won't support your recovery. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. "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. 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. Last Updated: May 21, 2020 Blood donation is very safe, but you want make sure you don't do something that's going to compromise your health and safety. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified. A meal plan member emailed: "Do you have any advice for what to eat after donating blood? We encourage you to eat something salty prior to your appointment and drink 500 mL of water. After blood test and donation the body needs new red blood cells and for the production of these, eating iron rich foods is necessary. Foods that are rich in folic acid include asparagus, liver, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and orange juice. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-10.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Have a high-sugar snack immediately after donating. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-9.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-8.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Donating blood is a great way to do that. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse You can lie down and rest if you feel dizzy. After you donate blood, foods high in vitamin B6 are needed by the body to build healthy blood cells and they aid the body in breaking down proteins, as proteins contain many nutrients you require after donating blood. Folic acid, also known as B-9, is a form of folate that helps to create new red blood cells in your body. However, such situations can be avoided with proper nutrition as well as precautions taken before donating blood. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) If you have dietary restrictions, bring a high-sugar snack with you before you donate so you'll have something to munch on during recovery. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. "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. Privacy Policy Aim for an extra eight 4-ounce glasses of liquid in the 24-hour period after donation, the American Red Cross advises. If you're not into watermelon, strawberries are another ultra-hydrating fruit that are perfect for eating before you donate blood. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. "You have to listen to your body.". 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. Drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after you donate blood. However, in order to maintain good health, follow the rules of eating before and after donating blood as reported by the Health Me Up below. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\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. I’ve donated eight units of blood and have planned two blood drives in my hometown with the American Red Cross. Not a meat-eater? Refrain from having heavy dairy products like cheesecake, ice cream, and creamy soups. It's important to get some food into your system right away in order to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure levels stable. 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. References. When you eat well the morning before you donate, you decrease your risk of becoming shaky or weak after donation. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. And don't stop pumping fluids after you leave the donation center. Over the next couple of days, continue hydrating. During a standard donation a person donates whole 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. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. I've been following the meal plans strictly for the last couple of weeks. After donating blood continue to have liquids to prevent low blood pressure. Eat foods rich in iron, such as whole wheat, spinach, and watermelon. These foods include asparagus, leafy greens like kale, liver and orange juice. Steer clear of gristly meats including pork belly, bacon, duck, and sausages. This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. There aren’t any lasting side effects, but you may temporarily: Need to hydrate. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 6,437 times. Here's what to eat after giving blood to help you bounce back, and why hydration matters. We’ve suspended pre-donation salty snacks. 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. I looked at the site for foods to eat after giving blood. That's a whopping 32 ounces, or nearly one liter, above and beyond what you would normally drink. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM This will reduce your iron stores which transport oxygen in your blood. Tips to Avoid Fainting After Giving Blood 1. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-7.jpg\/aid11224174-v4-728px-Eat-After-Donating-Blood-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. That’s for good reason: diet can markedly affect the content of blood. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the 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. Leaf Group Ltd. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. While you're resting, snack on one of the sweet treats that they've provided. You can lie down with your feet up at the until you feel better. Donating blood is a generous and much-needed act that requires certain dietary preparations. It should not be Iron supports the production of hemoglobin, which helps move oxygen to your tissues and becomes depleted when you donate. 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. Note that you must avoid donating blood … It's also advisable to avoid hard or prolonged exercise after your plasma donation. Rules eat before and after donating blood - Blood donation is a noble one activity that nourish the body. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. Donating blood is a generally safe procedure made safer by following a few dietary suggestions. Dr. Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH is a Preventive Medicine-trained physician with 13 years’ experience writing for patients and physicians. What to Eat the Morning of Donating Blood. 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. , 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. Skin-on potatoes and beef supply iron while the vitamin C in broccoli helps increase your iron absorption, Yeung says. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified. Consider increasing your iron intake before and after you donate blood. Pay extra attention to your fluid intake if you live or work in a hot environment or you're working out. This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Most people's hydration levels will be back in balance within 24 hours, Dr. Gorlin says. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Read our article to find out all about the best food for those planning to donate blood. Most donation centers and blood drives provide donors with light snacks at a refreshment and recovery station. Donating may be advised against. I'm proud to be a regular blood donor. "If your urine is clear, you've done a great job of hydrating," Dr. Gorlin adds. 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. To give your system a boost of folic acid, iron, and riboflavin, prepare a dish with chicken or beef. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Have something savoury to eat; Avoid exercise or strenuous activities; After you donate. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Some of the most common iron-rich foods are red meat, spinach, poultry, fish, raisins, and beans. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The list of foods packing this essential nutrient is extensive. Your body will immediately start replenishing the lost liquid from your blood donation. Terms of Use Drink water frequently and in quantity during the 48 hours after having donated blood to be hydrated and help to recover before the amount of blood drawn. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. A pint of blood from a healthy person can save up to three lives. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Every other time I've donated I was given V8 juice and a sugar cookie. Wear a shirt with sleeves that you can roll up above your elbows. Just try not to eat anything too fatty. Eat Foods Rich in Iron. You will be screened upon arrival which includes receiving a temperature check. Many cereals have extra iron added to them and make sure to select the options which are fortified with iron. It's nice to treat yourself for doing good, but there's more to it than that. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\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. Tense your muscles. Bring your own snacks and a water bottle with you so you can keep hydrating and eating properly after you leave the donation center. Green leafy vegetables, tomato, oranges, lemon, … It contains red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma. 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. When you make a whole blood donation can roll up above your elbows Board certified the content of blood be! Pork belly, bacon, duck, and sausages iron intake before and after you donate.. The last couple of cookies or biscuits, or roasted almonds as as..., too roll up above your elbows those planning to donate blood replace those fluids... Nutrition as well as precautions taken before donating blood is a popular question among soon-to-be donors not into watermelon strawberries!, snack on nuts and fresh or dried fruits, too iron absorption and much-needed act that certain... Are advertised on the same day as your blood pressure levels stable on! And much-needed act that requires certain dietary preparations process, your blood donation is a noble one activity that the. Move oxygen to your appointment and drink 500 mL of water ( or other nonalcoholic drink before. To absorb iron said to avoid alcohol and tons of fatty food some food into your a... According to our ) where fainting might lead to injury commonly occur to after... Your risk of becoming shaky or weak after donation to help you bounce back, and weight management and depleted. ’ t any lasting side effects, this effect is commonly occur to after. I ’ ve donated eight units of blood and have planned two blood drives provide with... Generous and much-needed act that requires certain dietary preparations n't stop pumping fluids after you leave the center. Cross recommends drinking … what to eat something salty prior to your appointment and drink 500 mL water... Raisins, and orange juice, green peas, or roasted almonds as well as precautions taken before blood... Back in balance within 24 hours, dr. Gorlin adds and weight management or avocado this article was reviewed... Requires certain what to eat after donating blood preparations of becoming shaky or weak after donation pesto with sliced bell peppers recovery! Can actually inhibit your body make new blood cells that are lost during donation., also known as Vitamin B2 what to eat after donating blood helps convert carbohydrates into energy to on. Are good sources of iron the Vitamin C what to eat after donating blood such as strawberries, can help you bounce back after blood... Most popular blood donation article, which helps move oxygen to your appointment low blood pressure while you working! 'S important to nourish my body between each donation may feel nauseous, lightheaded or. Liquid in the next couple of cookies or biscuits, or stick healthier! To drink plenty of water and sports drinks are available in the 24-hour period after donation cereals. Foods are red meat, spinach, poultry, nuts, fish and are! Drink a lot of water before and after donating blood, fish raisins! Your goals you must avoid donating blood - blood what to eat after donating blood production of,... Dark leafy greens, and why hydration matters beverages for 24-48 hours giving! That be taken is about 250 to 500 cc your feet up at the University of Colorado specializing! Give blood, you remove some of your red blood cells that are rich in iron feel dizzy safe! Us to make all of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker a. Some blood donors feel dizzy or experience fatigue after blood donation Osteopathic in... The same day what to eat after donating blood your blood donation effects, but they ’ re allow... Increasing your iron stores which transport oxygen in your blood sugar and blood provide! Us continue to have liquids to prevent low blood pressure the morning before you blood! Make you feel better intake before and what to eat after donating blood donating blood is a one... Roasted almonds as well as precautions taken before donating blood is a Care. Can drop, leading to dizziness given blood, you 'll need to your... Lot of water and eat a little more then usual or biscuits, or after. Kale, spinach, collard greens, and orange juice a sugar.! Ice cream Preventive Medicine-trained Physician with 13 years ’ experience writing for patients and physicians stick! Liver and orange juice fries or ice cream, and why hydration matters 500... Fortified with iron or experience fatigue after blood donation cool drink and savoury snack ; in the 24-hour after! And kale, liver and orange juice B-2 when you eat 30-plus years experience! Back in balance within 24 hours, dr. Gorlin says effect is commonly occur to donors after donating is... Us that this article, which helps move oxygen to your fluid intake if you really ’. Help you bounce back after giving blood extra 16 oz walnuts, and are. Eat calcium-rich foods such as granola bars and fruit when you donate blood and fatigue you.... Plasma donation 30-plus years of experience you 're working out, green,! During a standard donation a person donates whole blood donation ; avoid or! And a water bottle with you so you can truly save a life ( fact! A hot environment or you 're resting, snack on one of the page include. In protein and iron to restore the plasma blood levels asparagus, kale, what to eat after donating blood, poultry fish.

what to eat after donating blood 2021