Donating Blood?

bstamps12

There's a blood drive today and I'd really like to donate because it is the last time I can for a while (I am going in January to a country on the "banned list" where you can't donate blood if you have visited that country in the past x months/years).

I am planning on working out right before giving blood--is that okay? I'll eat a snack before I give blood and again after I give blood. If I work out at moderate intensity for 90 minutes then donate blood, am I more prone to feeling sick afterwards?

I know it sounds naive, I just haven't donated blood since I lost weight and got active again, but I usually get very dizzy after donating blood and selfish as it may be, I have way too much I need to get done tonight to be sick and dizzy.

Also, what types of foods are best to eat for dinner after donating blood? Anything to avoid? They usually give you a coke and chips/cookies, but I'd like to make it a healthier snack if I can while still getting the energy back.

MinnieInMaine

Ask the staff at the blood drive. They'll be able to give you the best advice. Everyone reacts differently to giving blood - even if you've never had what they call "a reaction" (feel faint/sick), it can happen anytime, just needs the right combination of elements.

jennajava

I gave blood last week. It's ok the day of before you give, just not the day of after. Thanks for contributing to a wonderful cause.

mgmlap

Donating blood burns a heck of a lot of calories..so watch how much you work out before hand. As far as food..eat whatever you would eat after a workout..protein....

KrisPage

Congratulations for taking the time to donate!!!!!

I don't usually get dizzy but they recommend restricting activities after donation so I would not think before would create any issue. Eat a Banana or other fruit after donation to get sugar back up if dizzy would be my suggestion.

Last month I hit my 6 gallon mark for blood donation! Keep up the good work! Someone out there would like to say Thank You if they could!!!!

I would freak out if I had to stop donating because of somewhere I traveled.

luckybunny84

working out before you donate is fine. I would suggest just cardio. As for a healthy snack after I would say a protein bar and something sweet. I was told that they give you cookies and juice because the sugar helps off set the dizzyness you feel. Thank you so very much for donating its lives you are saving

TinaDay1114

I give blood regularly, and I had the same concern since losing some weight. I was FINE working out the morning of, but felt pretty drug out the day after. Eat lots of protein, eat some carbs, too, and you may want to eat some extra calories in general over the next few days to rebuild those cells.

And yeah, having some healthier options post-donation would be good -- I always go for the pretzels.

Troll

i cant give blood, but i have heard an orange, banana,or apple helps post donation as far as working out, i say as long as you arent still at a high bpm when you donate it shouldnt be a problem.