6 Health Benefits of Blood donation

 

Blood is the essence of life. Blood transports oxygen to the various areas of the body. People require blood to be transferred externally in multiple conditions, such as in a major accident or undergoing surgery.

Donating blood not only saves other people’s lives but also has a number of benefits for the donor. This article discusses blood donation, its health benefits, donation procedures, and more.

 

What is Blood donation?

Blood donation involves taking blood from a healthy person and transferring it to someone in need. Lack of blood prevents oxygen from being transported to the body parts and organs. Blood cannot be made or manufactured artificially. Hence, to those in need, it has to be given by a donor.

A blood donation can help people who are:

1. Suffering from internal or external bleeding due to an injury or accident
2. Undergoing major surgery such as cardiovascular or orthopedic surgery
3. Suffering from an inherited blood disorder
4. Undergoing organ transplant
5. In need of blood or plasma-related treatments

 

What are the Health Benefits Giving Blood?

 

Health benefits of blood donation include:

 

1. Revealing Potential Health Problems

Donating blood can help the donor keep track of their cardiovascular health.

Before donating blood, the donor undergoes tests, such as pulse, blood pressure and body temperature. The donor’s blood is also tested for hemoglobin levels, red blood cells, white blood cells, pathogens, and pathogens such as HIV 1 and 2.

Hence, donating blood can act as a health checkup for the donor and can help detect any issues early.

 

2. Improving Cardiovascular Health

Donating blood multiple times a year can reduce blood viscosity. Viscous blood offers resistance and flows slowly. A reduction in blood viscosity can help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Blood donation can also lead to a reduction in lipid profile, which can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Additionally, repeated blood donation can reduce blockages in the arteries.

 

3. Improving Emotional Well-Being

Helping others by donating blood can have the psychological benefit of improved emotional well-being due to:

1. Reduced stress
2. Reduced negative feelings
3. Feeling a sense of belonging

Hence, donating blood can positively affect happiness and help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression through altruism.

 

4. Controlling Blood Iron Levels

Iron is a vital blood constituent responsible for the body’s growth, development and oxygen transportation. Iron levels in the blood lower or higher than usual can cause problems in the body. This condition is called hemochromatosis. Symptoms of hemochromatosis include skin darkening, abdominal pain and joint pain.

Blood donation can help reduce iron levels, lowering the risk of hemochromatosis.

 

5. Enhancing Detoxification

Donating blood can increase the detoxification potential of the body by helping remove harmful consumer and industrial chemical compounds. These chemical compounds can reduce immunity and even increase the risk of some cancers.

Repeated blood donation has been shown to reduce the level of these harmful chemicals in the body.

 

6. Improving Liver Health

By reducing the iron levels in the body, blood donation can also improve liver health. Hemochromatosis can increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis C and other liver diseases. Hence, a reduction in blood iron levels through blood donation can help the body avoid any iron-related issues in the liver.

 

What is the Blood Donation Process?

Blood donation can be whole or separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets. Whole blood donation is most common. The procedure for whole blood donation is as follows:

1. The donor can sit on a reclining chair or lie down.
2. A small area of the donor’s arm is cleaned, and a sterile needle is inserted into it.
3. The blood is drawn while the donor remains sitting or lying.
4. When completed, the staff member present removes the needle and bandages the arm.
5. The donor is usually given a snack and a drink and allowed to rest for 10-15 minutes before leaving.

The other types of blood donation are performed using a machine connected to both arms of the donor. The machine collects a small amount of blood and separates the required components. The blood with unused components is returned to the donor.

Blood donation helps people in need and saves lives. It also provides some fantastic mental and physical health benefits to the donor. To donate blood, one must be in good health.

Before deciding to donate blood, it is essential to consult a doctor and schedule some tests at Dr Lal PathLabs to assess the health metrics.

FAQs

1. What are the adverse effects of donating blood?

Donating blood is generally safe. However, some people may feel nauseous or light-headed for a few minutes after the procedure and should rest before leaving.

 

2. What is blood donation eligibility?

The following are the main eligibility criteria for blood donation:

1. The donor must be an adult aged 18-65.
2. The donor must weigh at least 50 kg.
3. Must be in good health at the time of donation.