Blood Donation Guide: Before and After – What to Eat and Benefits

Donating blood can have many positive effects if done correctly. By donating blood, one can contribute to various medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies. Regular blood donation can also be beneficial for the donor as it helps in maintaining an adequate and steady blood supply in the body. To ensure that donating blood does not have adverse side effects, one must follow certain precautions. This can mean eating certain foods, checking up on one’s health vitals, and so on. This can ensure a healthy and comfortable experience for the donor as well as increase the effectiveness of the overall blood donation process. In this article, we look at what to eat before and after blood donation, as well as the benefits of donating blood.

What to Consume Before and After Donating Blood 

Eating certain types of foods and beverages can give you the energy you need during and after blood donation. It may also improve the quality of the blood, so that patients receiving it get more benefits. With that in mind, here’s a quick guide on what to eat if you plan to donate blood soon.

1. Foods rich in iron

Since iron is important to produce new blood cells as well as for various other functions in the human body, it is important to include iron-rich foods in your diet. This can include chickpeas, green peas, meat, cashews, sunflower seeds, brown rice, spinach, fish, and so on.

2. Vitamin C-rich foods

Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Hence, to complement iron, your diet should also include foods rich in Vitamin C. Foods, such as tomatoes, oranges, lemons, kiwis, broccoli, and capsicum are rich in Vitamin C and should be consumed before and after blood donation.

3. Water 

As some people may have experienced, blood pressure tends to drop after blood donation. Water can help in maintaining blood pressure. Hence, it is important to be well-hydrated before one enters the blood donation room. Drink 2-3 glasses of water a few hours before donating blood. Once you have donated blood, have a glass or two of water once again. Additionally, one must avoid drinking alcohol or smoking if one is looking to donate blood. It is also recommended to avoid donating blood if you are not well or if you are on an empty stomach.

Benefits of Blood Donation

It might come as a surprise to some - but donating blood can have positive effects on mental and physical health, such as:

1. Reduces chances of severe diseases

Regular blood donation may reduce your chances of acquiring certain diseases. However, the benefits of any health activity can differ from individual to individual.

2. Helps you get a free blood screening

Many blood donation centres often carry out a blood screening test before the donation process. This screening can include checking for various diseases, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and Syphilis. In case of the absence of any such diseases, the blood donation process can continue. However, if any medical problem is detected, you can take early action and treat it as soon as possible.

3. Allows you to become a more socially responsible person 

As mentioned earlier, the blood you donate can help injured people and severe patients in need. Even though it might not be your main reason for blood donation, you may come back from the blood donation centre feeling proud and satisfied. Blood donation is one aspect of living a healthier and responsible life. To ensure your overall health, including financial health, is taken care of, one ought to opt for a Health insurance  plan.

Role of Health Insurance in One’s Health and Peace of Mind 

Health insurance can provide benefits that go beyond simple hospitalisation. It can ensure overall holistic health. Here’s how:

1. Covers preventive health check-ups*

The right medical insurance plan can provide preventive health check-ups at certain intervals. This can allow the insured members to be aware of any medical issues at an early stage, so that treatment can begin early too.

2. Covers multiple members of the family*

Health insurance coverage can be extended to multiple members of the family. You can include various members of your family under one plan with family health insurance. Moreover, if your parents are at an advanced age, you can buy a separate plan for them that takes care of their specific needs. Ideally, health insurance for senior citizens can be opted for individuals over 60 years of age.

3. Provides other benefits*

Many family health insurance plans cover benefits such as convalescence benefits, road ambulance coverage, organ donor expenses coverage, and wellness benefits, amongst other advantages. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. Thus, one should have a holistic approach to health by donating blood regularly and opting for health insurance.   *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.