Health Tip: Before You Donate Blood

Health Tip: Before You Donate Blood

(HealthDay News) — Donating blood isn’t a trivial matter. Without preparation, you can become tired and listless after your act of kindness.

The American Red Cross offers this advice before you donate:

  • Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, including red meat, leafy greens, beans, poultry, raisins and iron-fortified cereals.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
  • Drink extra fluids — about 16 ounces of water or something else that’s non-alcoholic.
  • Avoid taking aspirin for two days before the donation.