What are the benefits of donating blood for the donor himself?
Saunas offer numerous health benefits, but what about after a blood donation? Besides having done a good deed, donors themselves benefit from donating blood by having their blood pressure lowered. People with high blood pressure in particular should make use of this and thus reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. In addition, before each donation the health is checked, such as with a blood pressure measurement and blood test, so that possible health impairments can be counteracted in time.
What happens in the body after donating blood?
When donating blood, the body usually loses half a liter of blood. The body can only slowly make up for the loss of fluid by gradually rebuilding blood. Nevertheless, all the organs of the body must continue to be supplied with oxygen, nutrients, and the like with the little blood. Therefore, one should not expect too much from the body during this phase.
What should I avoid before and after donating blood?
Since donating blood is an effort for the body, you should take it easy before and after. You should therefore refrain from physical exertion such as sports, heavy physical work or saunas before and after donating blood. Although saunas are generally very healthy, they are just as hard on the body as sports. You also lose a lot of body fluid through sweating, much of which you have already lost through donating blood.
On the same day as donating blood, a sauna session would be too much of a strain on your circulation, so that you could even suffer a circulatory collapse. Since alcohol and sunbathing also put a strain on the body and even dehydrate it, you should avoid them as well as cigarettes before and after your blood donation.
Refrain from:
- Sports
- Sauna
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Standing
- Driving a car
- heavy lifting or working with the donor arm
- sunbathing
What should you do after donating blood?
Rest for at least 30 minutes after donating, preferably lying down or sitting. So don’t drive right away and give your body enough time to recover. Drink plenty after donating blood, at least 2.5 liters of water or juice spritzers to compensate for fluid loss. It is also best to drink enough before donating blood. It is also advisable to have a snack before and after the donation. Whole foods containing carbohydrates are best.
When can I do sports or go to the sauna again?
After two days, your body should have recovered so that you can go about your daily life as usual. Sports, sauna sessions and sunbathing are then also allowed again.
Conclusion
Help save lives and benefit yourself from donating blood. Allow yourself a short rest of two days afterward and everything will go back to normal.
