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Donating Blood

lklein
lklein Posts: 215 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
If I am donating blood today, should I be consuming more calories to help make up for the loss? I know once you are done giving they want to you to eat and drink something; how should I be counting these calories?

Replies

  • nmpresto
    nmpresto Posts: 157
    GREAT question! I am donating blood today as well and was wondering the same thing!
  • Chelij
    Chelij Posts: 49
    I think you should. I've had problems in the past with donating and I become hypovolemic. Good to drink lots and eat a decent meal 24-48 hours before (I called at talked to a nurse on their hotline once and this is what they recommended).

    Also, incase you are curious how many calories donating accounts for ...it's 500 (you can actually log it in as 'exercise'). You should account for them in your log.
  • WalkingGirl1985
    WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,046 Member
    500 calories?? That's like a 90 minute walk for me! :noway:
  • bonnienm
    bonnienm Posts: 329 Member
    But remember you aren't supposed to exercise after donating so make sure you get your exercise in before:)
  • CharityD
    CharityD Posts: 193
    Drink lots of water, eat simple sugars immediately after and a steak or something high in iron tonight!
  • catherine1979
    catherine1979 Posts: 704 Member
    The Mayo Clinic says that you burn about 600 extra calories when you donate blood, not so much through the donation but as your body is replenishing the blood you've donated. I've donated several times and I've been told just to eat a good meal 3-4 hours before, and I eat lots of green leafy vegetables afterward to give my iron level a boost. I personally don't think you have to eat extra calories to make up for giving blood, I never have done and I've fared just fine.
  • melodyg
    melodyg Posts: 1,423 Member
    I would not plan on eating more calories but be open to if you feel like you need them. Definitely get something to eat/drink afterwards (and log it). I know the blood donation place near me tends to only keep cookies/candy on hand. Last time I went to donate blood I took along some fruit to eat afterwards and planned on drinking a soda or juice (can't tell you how that worked out since I ended up unable to donate b/c of low iron... I need to call back and reschedule!) Definitely eat a good meal before hand and exercise beforehand if you are planning on exercising today (or just use it as a rest day).

    That being said, I've never had problems after giving blood... all of my issues are before or while trying to give blood (low iron, or not being hydrated or the fact it is almost impossible for them to find a vein... )
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