How To Raise Iron Levels For Blood Donation? 2 Easy Ways!

Do you want to know how to raise iron levels for blood donation? Then, you only have to choose the right food to boost your hemoglobin production, and you should be good to go!

However, before you become eligible for blood transfusion, your iron levels need to be checked if they’re up for the challenge, or it may result in dire consequences for you.

how to raise iron levels for blood donation

When it comes to blood donation, the most crucial factor is hemoglobin. Since blood is the main component for the procedure and hemoglobin makes up most of the blood, consuming food that contributes to its production is highly suggested before a transfusion.

 

Simple Ways To Raise Iron Levels For Blood Donation

Most hospitals recommend this when you ask how to raise iron levels for blood donation. However, you are only deemed eligible for any donation once your body has more than enough of the part. Therefore, your hemoglobin levels need to be regulated so they won’t pose problems for you and the receiver. Not to mention, this will also make the transfusion easier and faster.

 

#1. Eat the right food

All medical procedures require a specific preparation depending on the involved body part. One of the easiest is food intake. Some foods improve bodily secretions and can make surgeries less risky to perform. Blood donation is not that different. To improve blood secretion, they give you a list of preferred food that contribute to that.

 

  • Iron

Seventy percent of your body’s iron is located in the blood. To have ideal blood for transfusion, it has to have enough iron to perform its purpose entirely. Here are some foods that contain iron or stimulate its production. Know about hemoglobin and iron functions

 

  • Meat

Red meat contains high levels of iron. Examples of these are beef, lamb, pork, ham, and many more. Meat tends to be more expensive than most food, but they are trendy for their juicy and tender taste,e so you won’t find eating it a burden unless you are vegan or vegetarian. Not to mention, most meats are available everywhere. You have the option to eat any of the following:

 

  • Poultry

Poultry is anything that comes from a domesticated animal. These include eggs, chicken, turkey, and butter. They tend to be used for everyday cooking, and they give you your daily dose of iron. They are cheap and can be found in public or supermarkets. You can grow them on your own! Careful though, some poultry products are iron blockers like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Know what to eat before blood donation and what to eat after blood donation

 

  • Fish

This seafood also gives your body substantial amounts of iron. Come to think of it; iron is almost always present in every food. Some people prefer fish meat over red, so this is an excellent alternative without sacrificing your hemoglobin levels if you are one of them.

 

  • Organ

Organs are delicious and healthy. Organs coming from animals, of course. Livers and other organ dishes also help distribute nutrients all over the body. A typical organ dish is street food. These can be found in most places and are very affordable so that you can have a taste every once in a while.

 

  • Bread

Bread does not only provide carbohydrates to supply you with energy for the rest of the day, but it also keeps blood healthy. Most wheat products offer the same luxury, so grab some bread in the grocery!

 

  • Vitamin C

Vitamin C is capable of making your blood healthy by raising its antioxidant levels. Therefore, consuming foods that have the said vitamin can be beneficial for you and your recipient.

 

  • Fruits

Fruits are nutritious and tasty, so you can enjoy a fresh dessert while also benefiting from its qualities. Mangoes, cantaloupes, papaya, tomatoes, and many more are highly recommended.

 

  • Vegetables

Veggies are always nutritious. Though some may turn you off from eating, there are many delicious veggies! Eggplants, squash, and lettuces are rather tasty.

 

  • Water

Blood is a bodily fluid and requires fluid intake to make secretion smooth and easy. Water is a daily need, blood donation or not, so make sure to stay hydrated!

 

#2. Avoid dehydrating food

Blood is a liquid, and consuming dehydrating foods can affect its production. Not to mention, dehydration itself can cause a series of health problems that won’t make you eligible for donation in the first place.

 

  • Alcohol

Alcohol is made of alcohol, of course. But, unfortunately, its ingredients make it very dehydrating to perform its purpose of getting you drunk. Not to mention, intake of alcohol may combine with your blood and disqualify you from the donation.

 

  • Fatty food

Fat can affect blood tests. If the machine cannot run your results and make sure you are clean from disease, you won’t pass the screening.

 

  • Iron blockers

If there are foods that stimulate iron, there are also some that absorb it. There’s no point in consuming iron-rich foods if you take iron blockers since it will be futile. Coffee, chocolate, and wine are popular blockers.

 

  • Aspirin

Aspirin can also affect blood tests. This is a standard medicine for pain and fever. Though not a usual requirement for blood donation, some may require it, so make sure to avoid aspirin, just in case.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to raise iron levels for blood donation remember them and do your good deed. Blood donation is voluntary, but it benefits many people or even saves lives. It may be helpful to know why is blood donation important. Have a good day!