Is giving blood health for us?

[jamesbiz]

Whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, what ever... is it good, bad, or doesn't do anything to us?


discuss.

[chrisrushton]

enough people do it without any long term side effects. The body can make blood. I don't see why it should be an issue.

[funchy]

It doesn't do anything to you unless you're one of the few people sick with a serious disease such as anemia, in which case you're not allowed to donate.

You lose blood all the time. Red blood cells are only good for a short time (1-3 months depending on who you ask). Your liver is constantly pulling the old ones out of circulation and breaking them back down into iron and proteins. The proteins which make up plasma are constantly being added, removed, and the mix adjusted by the liver. And as females, we lose some blood every 28 days with no negative effect.

Our body has an amazing system of hormones which signal lack of an ingredient in whole blood. For example, if you live at sea level and go visit high altitude, the lower oxygen levels will trigger the release of erythropoetin (EPO hormone) which goes to the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production. If you're dehydrated, your blood pressure and electrolyte balance reflect it, and your body adjusts ions and tries to reclaim water in the kidneys. White blood cells are triggered by antigens or antigen-presenting cells, and the body is always making the right types of WBCs as needed. My point is that our bodies are very good at keeping the right balance and volume of blood, and as long as you don't overwhelm the system, it's not going to harm you to lose a little.

The blood banks make sure they never take too much at once or take it too often. Here is more info for you:
FAQs About Donating Blood | Give Life | American Red Cross


I'd argue it's good for you because your donated blood can save a life. It's good karma.

[Dreamline]

My only concern would be, and this came from when AIDS first was beginning to be understood, that we are rumored to have a certain number of T-cells after adulthood and when we donate, some are given up. Eventually, we could lose a significant number of them. Not sure if it's true and I don't feel like looking through boring medical journals to figure it out.


Jennifer

[Tasek]

I have been a blood donor for over ten years now, everything i've always heard and experienced is that a healthy individual is able to donate a pint of blood without any long term effects.
Personally I tire faster for a day or two after donation, but as long as I don't do any very strenous exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep, i'm back to normal in a few days.
And it's good karma

[openeyes]

I give blood partly to lower my iron levels since I'm male. Also, my girlfriend and I are both O negative, so we're regularly sought out for donations. It's nice being able to help, so long as it doesn't leave us too drained (it hasn't). I used to get faint from needle pricks (psychological) and giving blood regularly helped me overcome that, so it's been beneficial for both myself and the recipients.