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what-to-do-after-blood-donation-500x200-1

What To Do After You Donate

By Carter BloodCare | 35 comments | Uncategorized | 5 November, 2014

Donors are the lifeblood of our organization, and it is important to us to make sure each donor maintains the best possible health after donating. Giving a pint of whole blood can save the lives of up to three people, but after giving that much, it is important to treat your body right. After donating, it is important to take it easy and work on replenishing the nutrients your body has lost.

It’s no secret that before donating blood, you need to prepare your body. It is important to eat iron-rich foods such as red meats, fish, beans and spinach, drink plenty of water the two days prior to donating, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy meal two hours before your donation. These tips help pump up the nutrients in your body so your blood has enough hemoglobin to donate and ensure you are ready to make donating a safe and pleasant experience.

Rest

After donating, it is important to rest in the canteen area for at least ten minutes, or until you feel up to your usual self. Pay attention to all instructions given by your blood collector immediately after donation. This includes keeping your bandage on for at least four hours. You will feel a little dizzy after donating, and for this reason it is important to not do any strenuous activity for up to 24 hours and avoid drinking any alcohol for the next 24 hours as well.

Replenish

Your donated blood provides people in need with a valuable resource, and after you give them what their body needs, it is time to give your body what you need. After donating, your blood pressure may drop. To avoid a drop in blood pressure and replenish lost fluids, drink plenty of liquids such as water and sports drinks. Water and sports drinks are available in the canteen area after donation to help you stay healthy and hydrated.

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. These foods include asparagus, leafy greens like kale, liver and orange juice. Riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, is also used in the production of red blood cells. To restock this nutrient, eat dairy products like milk or yogurt. Another red blood cell builder, Vitamin B-6 can be found in foods like potatoes and bananas.

Iron is an essential nutrient in the blood that helps with the transport of oxygen to tissues, and needs to be replenished to avoid iron deficiency. Iron-rich foods are easy to find and, if paired with Vitamin C-rich foods, can help increase absorption from plant iron sources. Meats, fish, nuts and peanuts are common protein-packed foods rich in iron. In addition, foods such as raisins, beans, whole grains, rice flakes and watermelon can help restore your body’s iron to keep you healthy.

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35 comments

  • Sohail ahmad Reply May 17, 2018 at 9:32 am

    Some after donating blood my body become faty and i feel laziness. For so many months so what i can do for this.

    • Carter BloodCare Reply May 29, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Sohail – did you donate with us? If you had any issues with a donation with Carter BloodCare, we invite you to contact a donor advocate to discuss your issues. 877-351-3600

  • Suraj Reply March 25, 2019 at 1:43 am

    Before some year I donated my blood to a needy .I now I also want to donate blood .May it harmful for me?

    • Carter BloodCare Reply April 1, 2019 at 3:11 pm

      Suraj – I’m not sure what you’re asking exactly, but please visit our website for information on donating. http://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility/

  • Sonia Shoukat Reply March 26, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    I feel sleepy in classroom after blood donation
    What can I do..?
    I donate blood 5 days ago

    • Carter BloodCare Reply April 1, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      Sonia – If you’re concerned, please call a Donor Advocate at 877-351-3600.

      Thanks for giving!

  • Teresa Heath Reply April 7, 2019 at 10:28 am

    I tried to donate platelets this morning, but the machine kept beeping and the tried my other arm. After 15 mins of beeping on my other arm they withdrew the needle again. Not sure why my body wouldn’t cooperate?

    • Carter BloodCare Reply April 9, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      Teresa – Sometimes it just doesn’t work out as we hope. We do ask that you’ll try again when you’re eligible again.

  • Ben Reply April 24, 2019 at 12:02 pm

    Ben- I donated blood today but I have training in 4 days that requires me to lift heavy objects, being out in the heat, and wearing thick gear. What’s the best thing I can do to renew my body fast?

    • Carter BloodCare Reply April 30, 2019 at 11:14 pm

      Ben – we suggest that you don’t do any strenuous activity for 24 hours after donating, but you should be fine after! Just make sure to drink plenty of water and eat healthy meals after.
      Read more here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/blood-facts/blood-donation-process/

  • Srikanta Beura Reply May 17, 2019 at 4:58 am

    What food should take after blood donate

    • Carter BloodCare Reply May 18, 2019 at 2:34 am

      We recommend a healthy meal following a donation. High protein meals are encouraged!

  • Nina Reply May 20, 2019 at 9:37 pm

    I did a plasma donation yesterday and passed out 5 mins after donating since then am feeling very tired and light headed and even passed out for about 5-10 mins
    Really want to know what I need to consume to feel normal again I did my best to eat anything to boost my energy and protein level still nothing works

    • Carter BloodCare Reply May 22, 2019 at 1:29 am

      If you’re experiencing any sort of malaise or tiredness, please contact our Donor Advocates at 877-351-3600. If it’s after hours or weekends, please call 817-343-2569.

  • Stephanie Reply June 13, 2019 at 4:20 pm

    Is beef jerky okay to eat after donation or is it too salty?

    • Carter BloodCare Reply June 18, 2019 at 1:11 am

      We suggest a well-balanced, healthy meal before and after donating.

  • sai Reply June 17, 2019 at 10:22 am

    Hi
    i donate the blood yesterday now i was feeling little uneasy what type of food should i eat know to become normal

    • Carter BloodCare Reply June 20, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      It’s important to have a healthy meal after donating. Please avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after giving blood. Avoid exercise or strenuous activity for at least 24 hours.
      http://www.carterbloodcare.org/blood-facts/blood-donation-process/
      If you’re concerned and feel unwell, please contact our Donor Advocates at 877-351-3600. If it’s after hours or weekends, please call 817-343-2569.

  • Abdul Azeez Reply July 30, 2019 at 2:35 am

    Hi, I have donated blood today. and i have gone through comments of taking food after donating. Need to know one more thing, nurse told me to keep bandage for 6 hours, but since i have to do ablution for prayer. i can remove early right. Still i have time of 3 and half hours for ablution. After 3 hours i can remove my bandage right.

    • Carter BloodCare Reply August 1, 2019 at 11:45 pm

      Abdul – we suggest to keep the wrap on at least 4 hours after donating.

  • Ankur Reply August 26, 2019 at 2:56 pm

    I am 18 yr old and weight 52 kg and hight 5.8 inch. Can i donate blood.

    • Carter BloodCare Reply August 28, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      Yes! The minimum is 110lb.

  • Elmeyer Reply October 4, 2019 at 9:44 am

    What foods should I eat after donating

    • Carter BloodCare Reply October 14, 2019 at 3:31 pm

      We recommend a healthy meal after a donation! Something well-balanced and iron-rich to help your body recuperate. And drink plenty of water!

      “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. These foods include asparagus, leafy greens like kale, liver and orange juice. Riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, is also used in the production of red blood cells. To restock this nutrient, eat dairy products like milk or yogurt. Another red blood cell builder, Vitamin B-6 can be found in foods like potatoes and bananas.”

  • Linda Crea Reply November 21, 2019 at 10:08 pm

    I do really great after donating Blood, I weigh 127 lbs. My iron is on the high side when doing the blood collection. May it feel different donating platelets? Thank You, Linda I am sort of a wimp but I do it anyway! So I am just checking before hand.

    • Carter BloodCare Reply December 1, 2019 at 10:59 pm

      We appreciate your donations! Platelets are a very different process, so there are different requirements. You can read more about it here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/blood-facts/types-of-donations/

  • Taylor Hansen Reply May 29, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    Thanks for mentioning eating more dairy products to rebuild red blood cells. I’m planning on going to a blood drive at my work this week and it’s been a long time since I’ve donated blood. I’ll be sure to eat these foods as well as taking it easy after I’m done donating.

  • Hussian Reply June 16, 2020 at 11:46 am

    I have to donate blood tammaro. Please suggest me what I have to do before 10 hours of donating blood . my hight is 5.5 inch and my weight is 58kg.i am 25 years old.

    • Carter BloodCare Reply June 18, 2020 at 1:46 am

      Hussian – it’s important to drink plenty of water and have an iron-rich, healthy meal the night before and at least two hours before. You can read more here: https://www.carterbloodcare.org/what-to-eat-before-and-after-you-donate/

  • Nikita Rastogi Reply June 20, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    I’m planning to donate blood after some days, but I’ve to drive on my own to the blood collection center. What will you suggest me to eat just after donating blood (as it will be my first time)? Also, do tell me if I can take Amul buttermilk as a refreshment because it is easily available and safe during this Covid-19 pandemic.

    • Carter BloodCare Reply June 24, 2020 at 11:16 pm

      Nikita — we provide light snacks and drinks for you and request you stay at least 10 minutes in the canteen to enjoy them. If you’d like to bring your own items, you are welcome to do so.

  • Md.solaiman Lalon Reply December 25, 2020 at 2:19 am

    Hi,
    This is Lalon. I have donate blood today & I’m not feeling bad, Can I take my Physical exercise today? As I am taking exercise regularly. if I don’t today so how many days latter may I go to Gym?

    • Carter BloodCare Reply December 30, 2020 at 2:34 am

      We recommend waiting 24 hours after a donation to engage in any strenuous activity.

  • Terrel Weisse Reply January 6, 2021 at 4:37 pm

    How Important is it not miss a meal after giving platelets?

    • Carter BloodCare Reply January 9, 2021 at 12:06 am

      For any blood donation, we suggest that you have a healthy meal and water before and after to replace fluids and nutrients to the body.

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