by Maria Marabito

You did it. You scheduled an appointment to donate blood (please do; there is a national shortage). Fantastic! Now it is time to prepare for your appointment. There are several steps you can take before your appointment to make the donation and recovery process easier on your body, and that starts with proper nutrition.

Iron deficiency is very common so it is important to consume lots of iron-rich foods leading up to your blood donation appointment. Consider working red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach or iron-fortified cereals or raisins into your diet if you do not already consume these foods. An iron supplement is also an option to boost your levels. Whatever your preference, lean into National Nutrition Month. Your body needs nourishment to prepare for and recover from the amazing gift you are giving. If you are donating platelets, stop taking aspirin for two full days before your donation, although first consult your doctor if you take it routinely.

In addition to a healthy diet, good sleeping habits are key to preparing your body to donate blood. Get to bed early in order to be well rested for the very rewarding day ahead. Also, drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids the day before your donation appointment. Dehydration can make giving blood more difficult and the recovery process more unpleasant. It is a good idea to drink an extra 16 oz. of water on the morning of your appointment to prepare for your donation. Plenty of fluids helps decrease the likelihood of feeling dizzy after your donation. A large portion of blood is actually water so consuming extra fluids ahead of time will prepare your body to replenish the blood you will donate.

After donating blood, you get to enjoy the array of snacks and drinks available to you at your donation center. Even if you feel completely fine, it is a good idea to sit and drink some water or juice and have a bite to eat before making your way home. Especially if it is your first-time donating blood, take a moment to relax. Chat up some other donors. Give your body time to adjust to having slightly less blood in it than when you arrived at the donation center.

The Red Cross recommends that you avoid any vigorous exercise for the rest of the day, continue drinking plenty of fluids, and continue eating iron-rich foods. After experiencing firsthand what an easy and gratifying experience blood donation is, spread the word! Talk to hesitant friends and family about what it was like for you; post about your donation on social media; and schedule your next appointment. We need more awesome blood donors like you!