World Blood Donor Day: Is the noble act ‘equivalent to one week of exercise’?

Walking outdoors for 30 minutes or doing a quick session on the treadmill helps shed almost 150 calories per day. Now if a person does the same for four days a week, almost 600 calories could be burned. But is there an easier alternative?

According to Dr C Shivaram at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, when you donate blood, your body expends energy equivalent to 650 calories to regenerate your blood – implying “one blood donation is equivalent to one week of exercise.”

Nevertheless, Dr Shivaram clarified one cannot donate blood over 3 – 4 times annually, and therefore, the noble act cannot substitute exercise, The Indian Express reported.

This World Blood Donor Day, observed each year on June 14 to raise global awareness about the practice and express gratitude to the donors, let’s understand why donating blood is more than just an act of kindness.

Blood Donation Keeps The Donor Healthy

Donated pints of blood help those injured in accidents or undergoing cancer treatment, people with inherited blood disorders, or transplant patients.

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The procedure is incredibly simple, involving a health screening by checking blood pressure, pulse rate, haemoglobin, and weight. Moreover, the use of new sterile equipment for each doner gets rid of all risks of infection.

Blood donation should be done on a regular basis. According to Dr Shivaram, donors tend to have lower levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) compared to non-donors or one-time donors. The practice protects one from heart disease.

Dr Aniket Mule at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road says those who donate blood are also able to efficiently manage their haemoglobin, blood pressure, and iron levels.

Steps Before And After Blood Donation

Make sure you are well-rested and had a healthy supper. Water is one of the best fluids to consume a day before the donation. After giving blood, it’s important to resupply the body with resources, including water to replace the volume lost.

Donors are advised to avoid weightlifting and other strenuous physical activity for a few hours after the donation. In order to boost your energy levels, a nutritious snack can help.