Donating blood is an act that saves many lives. Very little is said about food or habits that we must have before and after the donation. It is just as important to have healthy habits to provide perfect blood, such as recovering the essential nutrients to stabilize our blood levels at the end. There are not a few who get dizzy or fatigued at the end of the donation session, so by eating the right foods we can replenish our vitamins and iron more easily.
Before donating
It is important that do not go fasting. You are not going to perform a blood test, so it will not be necessary to go without taking anything, much less if you plan to donate in the afternoon. Make your normal day, with your usual meals. If you plan to donate in the morning, eat a light breakfast and recover consistently afterwards.
Do not forget that you must stop smoke minimum one hour before, although we trust that you are a sporty person and without bad habits.
after donating blood
During 48 hours you should be especially replenishing your hydration and blood volume by taking liquids. Beer, coke or juice in tetrabrick is not worth it. Bet on healthy drinks such as water, natural juices, smoothies...
Avoid training or doing vigorous work in 24 hours. Is it impossible for you to avoid this? Then go to donate blood at the last minute to be able to do your obligations and commitments without problem. In addition, night rest will help you recover without realizing it.
At the first main meal after the donation lots of green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, chard…), legumes, fish, egg or natural meat. Also, add some fruit.
What should donation points offer?
Without a doubt, food is something they have in the background. Totally forgotten and punished. What is that of giving industrial pastries, sausage sandwiches, tetrabrick juices or soft drinks? Apart from the low nutritional value, we will be creating insulin spikes with the sugar ingested.
Before mentioning what we think should be in these points, it is important that they begin to include food for celiacs, vegans and lactose intolerant. If we want the donation to cross borders, it is essential to give facilities to the volunteers who give their blood.
Beverages? No soft drinks or processed juices. The best is water, milk (animal or vegetable), natural juices. Of course, no alcohol in 24 hours.
Snacks? Bet on natural or toasted nuts and chocolate with more than 80% cocoa. Skip the industrial bakery.
snacks? Yes, but integral and without sausage. Tuna is allowed, with fresh cheese, with avocado and even with homemade peanut butter or Nutella.