look news india
Blood donation is considered to be the most important donation in saving human life and maintaining health services. Just one unit of blood donated by you can save the lives of three different patients. However, despite such great social and humanitarian importance, many misconceptions, hesitations and fears still persist in the minds of many people regarding blood donation. People often think that by donating blood, there will be permanent lack of blood in the body, they will become physically weak or they will become vulnerable to some disease. But the opinion of medical science and modern doctors is completely opposite to this. Blood donation not only saves the lives of others, but it also proves to be extremely beneficial for the donor’s own body, heart and mental health. Let us know in detail what positive changes occur in our body after donating blood and which common mistakes made during blood donation can be detrimental to your health.
#1 What happens inside the body immediately after donating blood and in the next 48 hours?
When you donate a unit of blood (about 350 to 450 ml), your body does not take it as a loss but as a natural biological process and immediately starts compensating for it:
-
Immediate recovery of plasma (24 to 48 hours): Your body replaces the liquid part (plasma) of the blood you donate within just 24 to 48 hours by drinking enough water and fluids.
-
Formation of new red blood cells (RBCs): After donating blood, your bone marrow gets stimulated and starts rapidly producing new, fresh and more efficient red blood cells in the body. Within 4 to 8 weeks your blood cell levels become completely normal and refreshed.
-
Natural balance of iron levels: Excessive accumulation of iron in the body is considered harmful for the health of nerves, liver and heart. By donating blood regularly, the level of excess iron in the body is controlled, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke to a great extent.
-
Improvement in cholesterol and blood pressure: It has been proved by many studies that donating blood from time to time reduces the viscosity of blood, which makes blood circulation smooth and keeps blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels under control.
#1 Do not make these 5 big mistakes while donating blood, it can harm your health.
Blood donation is an extremely safe and scientific process, but if you do not follow the correct rules before or after donation, you may face problems like dizziness, fainting or weakness. Know what are those mistakes which you should always avoid:
-
1. Donating blood on an empty stomach or without drinking water: Many people go straight to the blood donation camp in the morning without eating or drinking anything. Donating blood on an empty stomach can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, nervousness and fainting. Make sure to eat light and nutritious food 2-3 hours before donation and drink plenty of water.
-
2. Heavy exercise or weight lifting immediately after donating blood: After donating blood, one should avoid physical activities like going to the gym, lifting heavy weights or running very fast for at least 24 hours. By doing this, there is a risk of swelling, vein rupture or bleeding in the hand from which blood has been taken.
-
3. Consuming cigarettes and alcohol: One should completely abstain from alcohol and smoking at least 24 hours before donating blood and 24 hours after donation. Alcohol increases dehydration and slows down the body’s recovery process.
-
4. Hiding information about your illness or medicines: If you have recently had fever, antibiotics, diabetes, BP, tattooing or any surgery, never hide this from the blood bank doctors. Donating blood without thorough testing can worsen your health and put the patient at risk of infection.
-
5. Standing up quickly after donation: After donating blood, the medical staff advises you to rest in bed for 10 to 15 minutes. Many people get up and start walking immediately in over-excitement, due to which the blood flow to the brain suddenly reduces and the person may fall.
#1 Who can donate blood and who should avoid it? Know the essential qualifications
Some basic criteria have been set by the Red Cross and the Health Ministry for safe blood donation. The age of the person donating blood must be between 18 to 65 years and his weight must be at least 45 to 50 kg. Furthermore, the hemoglobin level should be 12.5 g/dL or more. Men can safely donate blood once every 3 months (90 days) and women once every 4 months (120 days). Pregnant women, lactating mothers, patients who have recently undergone major surgery and people suffering from serious illnesses like hepatitis, HIV or cancer are not allowed to donate blood. Blood donation done with correct information and precautions gives new energy to your body and new life to a helpless patient.