Per the American Red Cross, “January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to celebrate the lifesaving impact of blood and platelet donors. It has been celebrated each January for nearly 50 years and coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients and this year is no exception.”
Donating blood is a wonderful thing to do for your fellow human being, but did you know that it also has health benefits to your own body as well? For this week’s Feel Good Friday, we’ll discuss the health benefits of donating red blood cells.
BRMS Online has a list of health benefits one can receive after they donate blood.
Prevents Hemochromatosis
One of the health benefits that you can receive if you donate blood is a reduced risk of hemochromatosis. Per the American Red Cross, “Hemochromatosis is a health condition that arises due to excess absorption of iron by the body.” Because donating blood can help with an excess of iron, hemochromatosis can be combated.
Anti-cancer Benefits
Speaking of an excess of iron, an over-abundance of iron can contribute to cancer. By donating blood, and reducing your iron in your bloodstream, you can help to maintain a healthy balance in your bloodstream and help to prevent any ill effects an imbalance might cause.
Maintains Healthy Heart & Liver
An over abundance of iron can also lead to heart and liver complications. Per the Red Cross, “Intake of iron-rich diet may increase the iron levels in the body, and since only limited proportions can be absorbed, excess iron gets stored in heart, liver, and pancreas.”
This can lead to an increased risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, damage to the pancreas, and heart abnormalities like irregular heart rhythms.
Weight loss
As this is Healthy Weight Week, it would be prudent to mention that donating blood also can help with weight loss!
Stimulates Blood Cell Production
Right after donating blood, the body works to replenish the body with fresh, new blood cells. Thus, maintaining a healthy cycle of regeneration.
Click this link for their full list, and consider donating to local blood donation services like LifeServe today!