Donating blood has often been seen as a noble gesture as it is done to help others. Though that is true, becoming a blood donor can be good for your health. Not only are you doing a good thing for someone else, but it can also actually improve your health, lifestyle, physical wellbeing as well as your mental health.

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Becoming a blood donor also reduces the likeliness of certain diseases and health complications. In the UAE, donating your blood is available and encouraged; however, there are a few guidelines you must understand and follow.

According to UAE publication ‘Gulf News’, all UAE blood donor facilities ensure blood donors must follow these guidelines:

You can donate blood if:

  • You are a resident in the UAE
  • Between the ages of 17 and 60
  • Minimum weight of 45 kg
  • Have not donated blood within the last three months
  • Do not suffer a disease that can be infectious
  • Not taking antibiotics

You cannot donate blood if:

  • You have Hepatitis B or C
  • HIV positive
  • Diabetes
  • People on antibiotics or heavy medication
  • Have drug abuse

Health Benefits of Being a Blood Donor

The Benefits of Blood Donor for Health

Here are a few of the health benefits you may have if you become a blood donor.

1. Better Heart Health

Multiple studies have shown that donating blood can lower the mean total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in turn preventing cardiovascular disease and other heart complications.

The lower levels of blood and iron in the body may heal- to reduce high blood pressure as well as decreasing the likeliness of a heart attack and other related disease and illnesses.

2. Reduced Levels of Iron

Iron is an essential part of the body and is responsible for producing red blood cells. In some cases, people can have too much and can become harmful.

When excessive levels of iron are found in the body, it can be deposited into other organs such as the lungs, liver or heart. By donating your blood, you are reducing the levels of iron in your body, creating a better overall balance.

3. Identifies Adverse Health Effects

Although you should never donate blood if you have diabetes, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV, donating blood can identify if someone has a health complication.

Donating blood can help people identify if they have high or low blood pressure as well as iron deficiency. Although it isn’t ideal to find out there is something wrong with you after donating blood, it does help you to realize your health better.

4. Improved Mental Health

Although this does depend on your motives for donating blood, most people are satisfied to become after donating blood, knowing that they are helping others and contributing to others.

For people who have always wanted to contribute themselves but didn’t know how donating blood is one of the best ways and can bring you a sense of fulfilment. 

5. Burns Calories

Research has shown that you can burn up to 650 calories per blood donation. Even though you still need exercise and shouldn’t be donating blood with the motive of losing weight, donating blood does technically burn up calories. How often you should donate blood, is well up to your medical practitioner.

Side-effects of Donating Blood

The Benefits of Blood Donor for Health

You need to understand that donating blood is not as simple as donating a material object. Because you are putting your immediate health on the line and blood is being taken away from you, you will feel some immediate effects that may take time to recover from.

The following post-symptoms of donating blood are: 

  • Dizziness
  • Feeling faint
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue

If you notice any of these symptoms in your health, a good rest is all you need. You are most likely to feel it on the day, and/or the day after donating blood. After those two days, you should be feeling back to normal.

However, if these symptoms persist, speak to your medical practitioner immediately. If the symptoms are ongoing or feel aggravated, it may be a sign of a more serious health complication. Otherwise, if you are healthy enough to donate blood in the first place, these symptoms should not cause you any long term problems.

Keep in Mind

The Benefits of Blood Donor for Health

If you’re thinking of donating your blood, make sure you carefully consider it first. Though there are many health benefits, there are also concerns that you may have to confront. Apart from that, becoming a blood donor is fairly straight forward.

As long as your health condition makes you eligible, then you’re good to go. If you have any other questions or concerns about becoming a blood donor, speak with your medical practitioner or visit the Dubai Blood Donation Centre for more information. 

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.