This past year has seen a surge in the popularity of plasma donation. More and more people are discovering the perks that coming off the metal canisters can offer.
The liquid gold that rolls around in the dark-red fluid is not actually the key to a perfect body. It is, however, the key to saving lives. Donating plasma can help others in need of blood transfusions due to illnesses such as leukemia or lymphoma. It can also help those who are scheduled to undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
The process of donating plasma is, however, not without its risks. People who donate plasma run the risk of getting an infection from the needles that are used to draw blood. The virus that causes AIDS also lies dormant in the blood of those who are infected with it. This is why it is crucial to be tested for HIV and other STIs before and after donating plasma and to use safe sex practices whenever you have sex with a new partner.
Why Donate Plasma?
You may be asking yourself, “Why should I donate plasma?” The answer is simple: It’s the right thing to do. Letting your blood flow for the greater good is an act of selflessness that may just save a life.
Plasma is a nutrient-rich fluid that contains proteins, hormones, and antibodies. While it has many practical uses, it also has the potential to save lives. That being said, it is important to understand the differences between plasma and whole blood. Plasma is the clear liquid that remains after blood cells have clumped together in a tube or vial. The protein in the blood coagulates and forms clots when exposed to air or water. This is why plasma is usually stored at blood banks in a frozen state.
To get your own supply of plasma, you will need to find a donation center near you. This organization will be able to provide you with the forms you need to get started. You can also visit websites like plasma.org to find a list of locations that you can visit for blood draws.
As stated above, AIDS, herpes simplex, and other viruses can be transmitted through plasma. If you are concerned about donating plasma and you do not want to risk getting sick, then consider another form of donation. Give blood instead, as this poses a lower risk of infection.
Is There Any Evidence That Donating Plasma Makes You Lose Weight?
The short answer is yes. There is substantial evidence that shows that donating blood and plasma helps you lose weight. This is primarily because when you donate blood or plasma, your body produces additional lymphocytes, the cells that fight infection. Your body also produces additional interleukins, chemicals that help your white blood cells communicate with each other and other parts of your immune system. Many nutritionists and dieticians believe that white blood cells are the ones that help you lose weight.
Blood and plasma donations are often referred to as “volunteer work” because it is a form of selfless philanthropy. When people donate blood or plasma, they are not usually asked about their weight, but the results of the tests and scans that they have at the time of donation often correlate to weight loss. This is because blood and plasma donations improve the health of those who are donating it. The American Red Cross cautions that those who want to donate blood to lose weight should not do so. Instead, they should focus on eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. This will help them in their overall quest to improve their health.
Although there is evidence that shows that donating blood and plasma helps you lose weight, it is not perfect. Just because you donate plasma and lose weight does not mean that you will stay at that weight forever. Your body needs time to adjust to the changes that come with giving blood and plasma. It can take up to a year for your body’s chemistry to balance out and for your brain to stop asking for food whenever you think about losing weight. Sometimes, people experience a weight gain after they have donated blood and plasma.
What Are The Risks Involved With Donating Plasma?
The risks involved with donating plasma are mainly infection risks from needles and burns from needles that were used before sterilization.
The most common and deadliest virus that is carried via plasma is HIV. It is crucial to test for HIV and other STIs before and after donating plasma. Using clean needles and disinfecting them after each use is also important. Never reuse needles, even after being disinfected.
Radiation exposure is also a concern. Those who donate plasma are at risk of being irradiated during the process. Especially at risk are those who are going to undergo chemotherapy treatment or radiation therapy. The American Cancer Society advises that those who want to donate plasma should discuss this option with their doctors. They should also get a dose of penicillin or another antibiotic before they start donating plasma.
Who Is Most At Risk Of Getting Sick?
You may be asking yourself, “Who is most at risk of getting sick from donating plasma?” All blood and plasma donors are at risk of getting an infection. The vast majority of donors do not get sick, but for those who do, the symptoms are usually mild. The main risk factor for getting sick is exposure to the virus. People who are at high risk of getting sick include health care workers who have had contact with patients with AIDS and hepatitis, as well as those who have recently traveled to regions where hepatitis and AIDS are prevalent. For this reason, the American Red Cross cautions that those who want to donate blood to lose weight should not do so and instead should focus on eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. People who have had a bad experience with donating blood or plasma are also at risk of having bad experiences in the future if they try to donate again.
On the other hand, very young and very old individuals are at a higher risk of serious complications if they have blood clots or an infection. It is also difficult for these groups to donate blood due to complications from other medical procedures. This is why it is recommended that they do not donate blood and plasma. There are also conditions that prohibit people from donating blood, such as heart disease and cancer. For these reasons, the American Red Cross cautions that those who want to donate blood to lose weight should consult their doctors first.
As stated above, you run the risk of getting an infection if you donate blood or plasma. These infections are usually caused by bacteria or a virus. Some of the bacteria that are commonly found in blood and plasma donations are: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus. The most common virus that is transmitted via blood and plasma is HIV. It is crucial to test for HIV and other STIs before and after donating plasma. Using clean needles and disinfecting them after each use is also important. Never reuse needles, even after being disinfected.
Radiation exposure is also a concern. Those who donate plasma are at risk of being irradiated during the process. Especially at risk are those who are going to undergo chemotherapy treatment or radiation therapy. The American Cancer Society advises that those who want to donate plasma should discuss this option with their doctors. They should also get a dose of penicillin or another antibiotic before they start donating plasma.
Those who donate blood and plasma are usually not asked about their weight, but the results of the tests and scans that they have at the time of donation often correlate to weight loss. This is because blood and plasma donations improve the health of those who are donating it. The American Red Cross cautions that those who want to donate blood to lose weight should not do so because the urge to donate may increase your appetite. Instead, they should focus on eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. This will help them in their overall quest to improve their health.