SHARES
One Blood Donation Saves up to Three Lives (and Benefits You too!)
Donating blood is truly a powerful act. One found somewhere between the lines of kindness and compassion, altruism and solidarity, blood has no substitute. From plasma to platelets, white blood cells to red — blood cannot be replicated or synthesized.
In addition, it’s availability relies greatly on the kindness of volunteer donors. Here are some health benefits to give you a little push to give blood.
Who Can Donate Blood
According to the National Blood Centre, blood donors must:
- be within the age of 18-60 years old, while the age limit extends to 65 years old.
- have a body weight of at least 45 kg
- be healthy and feeling well with no history of chronic medical illness
- not on long-term medications
- has not consumed alcohol in the past 24 hours
- not fasting
- has had sufficient sleep the night before.
Health Benefits In Donating Blood
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Reduce Risk Of Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a condition in which the body has an excess amount of iron. Whether hereditary or secondary causes, if untreated this condition can result in bronzing of the skin, multiple organ failure and diabetes mellitus. Regular donation of blood may be helpful in reducing iron overload for those with hemochromatosis.
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Lowers Risk Of Cancer
A Swedish study demonstrates a trend of decreasing risk for liver, lung, colon, stomach, and esophageal cancer in men. Additionally, multiple researchers confirm the link between low iron levels and low risk of cancer.
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A Healthy Heart
Multiple researchers have found that the reduction of iron levels in the blood can improve heart health. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology found that 88% of blood donors are less likely to suffer a heart attack. High body iron stores have been suggested as a risk factor for heart attacks. Hence, donation of blood could reduce the risk by lowering body iron storage.
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Promotes Weight Loss
People burn approximately 650 calories per donation of one pint of blood, according to the University of California, San Diego. Although, it is good to note that this is not a weight loss plan.
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Promotes New Cell Production
When donating blood one loses red cells and the body begins making more to replace them. Special cells in the kidneys, called peritubular cells, sense that the level of oxygen in the blood has decreased (due to the loss of red cells) and start secreting a protein called erythropoietin which then instigates the creation of more blood cells.
With only 2.2 % of the Malaysian and 1.8% of the Singapore population donating, perhaps it’s time we roll up our sleeves and save a life. After all one pint of blood can save 3 lives!
You can search, find, call, send enquiry or request for appointment with a GP/ Family Doctor on GetDoc:
Find a GP/Family Doctor in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a GP/Family Doctor in Singapore, on GetDoc
Reference:
https://naturallysavvy.com/live/6-unexpected-benefits-of-donating-blood/
by Yashwini Ravindranath
Born & raised in Malaysia, Yashwini earned her M.D. studying in Moscow's Russian National Research Medical University. With an affiliation towards research, all things coffee and the startup ecosystem, she now contributes articles to GetDocSays View all articles by Yashwini Ravindranath.
