Plasma is donated in a special way; you will pass on the blood that is being collected while another machine collects the plasma. Blood houses the red blood cell, which carries oxygen. The plasma is the liquid inside that transports nutrients and hormones as well as minerals, immunity-related antibodies, and enzymes. Blood also contains platelets, which help your blood clot after an injury or surgical procedure.
It can be a rather exciting experience to donate plasma, though many people are rather anxious about it all. There’s absolutely no reason to worry or be afraid though!
People who donate plasma, convalescent blood, or platelets go through a quick vitals check before donation, including:
- Heart rate
- Hematocrit (red blood cells in blood)
- Protein level in blood
- Temperature
- Weight
When donating blood, it is important to know the hematocrit value, as some red blood cells are temporarily removed from the body. Healthy hematocrit levels can best be maintained through a diet that is rich in iron. The perfect time to give blood plasma is before your stomach gets empty.
Before anything else, keep in mind that this is about food. When it comes to drinks, nothing is more crucial, healthy, or helpful than water. Read on to learn more about foods to stock up on before you donate plasma:
1. Food Rich in Vitamin C
You can increase how easily iron gets absorbed by your body by eating meals with plenty of vitamin C, an effective iron absorber. In fact, many foods known for being high in vitamin C also have a markedly high iron content as well. A good place to start is zucchini, which is a vegetable that’s one of the healthiest ones out there. That’s because it’s high in vitamins and minerals alike.
2. Foods With High Protein Content
Eating well-balanced meals with a lot of protein is necessary. You can use a food calculator to find out how much protein your body needs. Then, eat meals with enough protein before your appointment. It is recommended to consume food that has lean protein, such as chicken or fish.
3. Iron-Rich Food
Low hemoglobin counts can be caused by either a deficiency in the number of red blood cells or a lack of iron. High iron concentrations in blood help maintain or even increase your hemoglobin levels. To help your body absorb the iron more quickly, increase your intake of heme iron-rich foods by eating plant-based foods before your appointment. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly sources of iron exist in foods like beans, lentils, quinoa, and tofu.
There are plenty of meats that can also go a long way: lean cuts of chicken, beef, and shellfish.
Foods To Avoid
Of course, with the good, there’s always the bad as well. As much as there are foods that can help prepare for plasma donation, there are counterproductive foods as well. This includes the likes of high-fat, high-sodium beverages and foods. This includes the likes of pizza as well as French fries.
Conclusion
Plasma donation is not as scary as some people think it is. The process is straightforward and plays a key role in saving lives. If you’re looking to make a donation, stock up on foods that are high in vitamin C, rich in iron, and high in protein.
Want to make a plasma donation and become a donor? Reach out to thplasma today! We’re a plasma donation company that’s driven by innovation, steeped in community, and guided by genuine care.