Why Donating Blood is Good for You
Donating blood is a win-win situation for everyone involved. You could help save a life and reap some good health benefits in the process.
Every two seconds someone needs blood. 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every single day.
Donating blood can help treat patients suffering from cancer, bleeding disorders, chronic anaemia, and other blood abnormalities.
Human blood cannot be made, people are the only source so that’s why it is important to donate blood and help those who need it.
One blood donation could save three lives.
The benefits for the recipient are clear but what are the benefits of donating blood for the donor? Here are the health benefits that come as a result of giving blood.
Free health check
Donating blood gives you a free health check and can be another way to keep an eye on your health. Not only will you receive a mini-physical prior to the blood draw but post blood donation your blood will be screened for diseases. Shedding light on issues you didn’t even know you had. This could be the key to spotting a health issue before it becomes life-threatening.
Prevents Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is caused when the body absorbs too much iron. This may be inherited or may be caused by anaemia or other disorders. Regular blood donation can help reduce the risk of iron overload and further problems that may come along with it.
Anti-Cancer Benefits
Blood donation helps lower the risk of cancer. By donating blood the excess iron in the body is depleted and healthy levels are maintained. A reduction in the iron level in the body has been linked with a lower risk of cancer.
Maintains Healthy Heart & Liver
The risk of heart and liver diseases can be reduced with regular blood donation. Excess iron is stored in the heart, liver, and pancreas. This then increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, damage to the pancreas, and heart abnormalities. Blood donation helps maintain healthy iron levels and reduces the risk of future health problems.
According to a recent study donating blood at least once a year could reduce your risk of a heart attack by up to 88 percent.
High levels of iron can constrict your blood vessels and create more risk of a heart attack. Depleting excess iron by donating blood gives your vessels more room to operate, creating a healthier environment for some of the most important organs in the body.
Weight Loss
Regular blood donation can help reduce your weight. Yes, really. A study conducted by the University of San Diego found that donating one pint of blood burns over 600 calories. This can help reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders caused by excess weight. A regular blood donation schedule could just help keep your weight in check. Now this should go without saying but blood donation should never be a part of your weight-loss plan but is a benefit you could experience.
Stimulates Blood Cell Production
After donating blood, the body works to replenish the blood loss. This stimulates the production of new blood cells which increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, improved tissue oxygenation, and improved hemostasis giving a boost to your overall health.
Mental health benefits
While there are several physical benefits to donating blood, the most powerful health benefit is on your mental health. Donating blood means that people get a second chance at life and knowing that you helped achieve that in some way can be really powerful.
Getting out of your usual environment to do something good for someone else has major psychological benefits. Volunteering and altruistic actions have been shown to have positive effects on happiness. In people over 65-years-old, it also reduces the risk of depression and loneliness.
Conclusion
So as you can see there are many health benefits of donating blood but of course, the most important part of the process is helping to save lives. Donating blood is good for you, but it’s even better for the people that need it.