How to Give Blood Without Getting Weak or Sick

Each day men and women donate just a few minutes of their time to become heroes by donating blood. Donated blood is a critical necessity for cancer and surgery patients as well as accident victims. According to the Texas A & M University Health Center, "every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood." Even though the need for blood is so great, only five percent of capable adults donate. Some individuals avoid giving blood because they fear feeling sick or weak during donation. Fortunately, donors can easily employ several tips and techniques to avoid the ill effects of blood donation.

Things You'll Need

• Plenty of water or other fluids
• Healthy meal
• Snack

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Instructions

• 1

  Eat a balanced, healthy diet on a consistent basis, not just before you donate blood. A diet high in iron-rich foods encourages healthy blood development. The American Red Cross recommends eating foods high in iron such as leafy green vegetables, red meat, iron-fortified cereals, beans and dried fruits.

• 2

  Sleep well the night before you donate. If you are well-rested, you will be less likely to feel weak during or after the blood donation.

• 3

  Drink at least 16 ounces of water prior to donation. The extra fluids will help to replace blood loss. Eat a healthy, low-fat meal directly before donation.

• 4

  Relax while you are donating. If you concentrate on the actual procedure you may begin to feel weak or sick.

• 5

  Eat the provided snack directly after your donation. If you begin to feel dizzy or lightheaded, lay down with your feet up. Avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least five hours after donating blood.