Home 9 Uncategorized 9 4 Unexpected Benefits of Donating Blood

4 Unexpected Benefits of Donating Blood

Nov 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

It’s National Blood Donor Month! When was the last time you donated blood? Did you know you can save up to three human lives with every donation? This month, be more aware of the serious need for blood donations during the winter months, as well as the benefits of donating blood.

Your Donation Saves Lives (and Has Several Health Perks)

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. On average, more than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day, according to the American Red Cross. In the winter months, the Red Cross receives fewer blood donations due to incremental weather and seasonal sicknesses, like the flu, that may cause some donors to become temporarily unable to donate.

While giving blood should be all about helping those in need, there are a few things in it for you! Here are four health perks of becoming a blood donor, according to Health Magazine and lifehack.org:

Your blood may flow better.

Repeated blood donations may help the blood flow in a way that’s less damaging to the lining of the blood vessels and could result in fewer arterial blockages. That may explain why the American Journal of Epidemiology found blood donors are 88% less likely to suffer from a heart attack.

You’ll get a mini check-up.

Before you give blood, you’ll first have to complete a quick physical that measures your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. After donating, your blood goes to a lab where it undergoes 13 different tests for disease and abnormalities. If anything comes back positive, you’ll be notified immediately.

Your iron levels will stay balanced, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Healthy adults usually have about 5 grams of iron in their bodies, mostly in red blood cells, but also in bone marrow. You lose about a quarter of a gram of iron when you donate blood. But don’t worry! You replenish your iron from the food you eat in the week after donation. Additionally, regulating iron levels reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

You’ll know the joy of saving human lives.

It is a wonderful feeling to help doctors save lives. There is no perfect substitute for human blood. The blood you donate is divided into various components, according to the needs of patients. Each component can be used by different recipients for various purposes. Many newborn babies benefit from a single blood donor, as their blood requirements are smaller. Be a hero by donating blood.

Resolve to give blood or platelets regularly in 2016! Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given every seven days (up to 24 times a year).

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A: Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.