(This picture is a list of all foods high in iron that can help to raise a person's iron if they have trouble.)
Working at Virginia Blood Services, I run into a lot of donors that sometimes wonder what is in it for them? They want to know what they get out of donating besides a t-shirt. For some time I could not answer this for them, but now that I too know the benefits, I know it is just as important for the patients as it is for the donors. Who would have thought helping someone else can in turn help yourself?!
Everyone knows that when you donate blood it is processed, tested for any chance of disease, and sent off to hospitals to save someone’s life. However, what can it do for you? Most people take in more iron in a day than what is necessary to be healthy. Donating blood helps with extremely high levels of iron by removing some of the iron from your body and leveling out these high amounts of iron. A plus for the donors is that lowering their iron can help prevent heart disease and some forms of cancer. Not only does donating blood lower iron and help prevent life threatening diseases, it also can help to lower cholesterol.
Do not fret if you already have a low amount of iron. Before donating, you are put through screening and if your iron does not meet the standards the organization has set they will not allow you to donate. Even if your iron is off by 0.1, you will not be allowed to donate until it is high enough. Though some are disappointed that a measly 0.1 will prevent them from donating, it is only for the safety of donors. If the donors are not safe, the patients will not be safe.
Advantages of donating blood. (n.d.). Buzzle.com. com Retrieved February 4, 2010, from http://healthmad.com/health/the-incredible-health-benefits-of-donating-blood
Leong, K. (2008, February 20). The incredible health benefits od donating blood. Madhealth.com Retrieved February 4, 2010, from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-of-donating-blood.html
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