Things You'll Need:
- water
- non-alcoholic beverages
- iron-rich foods
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Step 1
Drink 1-2 cups of water 30-60 minutes before donating blood, especially if you are prone to fainting after blood donation. This preventative step will help alleviate lightheadedness and fainting by increasing the blood flow to the brain.
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Step 2
Consume additional beverages during the rest of the day following blood donation. Be sure these beverages are non-alcoholic. Urine color can be used as a guideline to judge hydration levels-if the urine is dark, more liquids are needed.
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Step 3
Eat a full meal within a few hours of donating blood. The nutrients will give the body a head start on rebuilding plasma volume, red blood cells, and iron levels.
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Step 4
Consume iron-rich foods in the weeks after donating blood. Meats, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, dried beans, organ meats, and whole grains are good dietary sources of iron.
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Step 5
Avoid heavy lifting for a day or two, and be sure to get extra rest if you feel tired. The body does most of its rebuilding during periods of sleep, so give yourself permission to take a nap!
