Which foods are we supposed to eat and drink after donating blood?

Question

I've heard that we are supposed to eat and drink much for the body to recover from the loss of blood. What would be best to eat and drink?
In Dracula, Dr. Van Helsing gives port wine to the donors, is that a right thing to do, I mean, is it science based?

Answer 1

Alcohol is a bad idea for one because you're slightly dehydrated after giving blood and you'll more easily get tipsy, which is not by itself bad, but alcohol also inhibits the release of ADH, a hormone that helps your kidneys retain fluid, which they'll be trying to do now that you've donated blood.

Drinking fluids and eating your regular diet would be ok, to replace the volume in your blood vessels, a drink like gatorade or powerade is best because the electrolytes in it are designed to be identical to that of normal blood, so it doesn't cause fluctuations in sodium, potassium, etc. Either way just drink a little extra for a few days and your body will take care of the rest

Answer 2

When you plan to be a blood donor foods and fluids should be given importance not just after but it is very important also to take adequate nutrition prior to blood letting. Before the donation, eat foods rich in iron -- red meat, fish, liver,poultry, beans,dried fruits and green leafy vegetables. Drink plenty of water or juices. Be sure to eat a good breakfast or lunch on the day of the donation. Avoid high-fat foods, as they may skew some of the tests that the blood must undergo. Too much fat from these foods in your blood may render your donation useless.
Right after the donation, you will be offered a drink in the donation center. For a day or two after the donation, drink plenty of water to rehydrate yourself.Alcoholic drinks won't be good.

Answer 3

No, you shouldn't consume any alcohol for 24 hours because it is a diauretic and will cause you to lose more water. You need to drink a lot of fluids for the next couple of days and eat a hearty meal afterwards. But really, after that decent sized meal, you don't need to overeat to make up for the blood loss. Mostly just drink extra fluids.

Answer 4

I am probably the last person to ask....one time I donated blood cuz I was going out and had to get drunk quick, so I donated blood and just drank one beer and that did the job. ANother time after I donated blood i went straight to the gym ( contrary to what they told me ) and my vein popped and squirted blood everywhere hahahaha.

But They usually give you juice and a cookie.....I guess just drink a fluid with vitamins and fruit to compensate. Wine won't do it, the body has too little blood left to be able to handle alcohol

Answer 5

The best thing to drink after giving blood is orange juice . It keeps your sugar level up. Also, eat a carbohydrate of your choice.

Answer 6

1-water and other watery drinks to supply blood volume.
2-protein to remain energy and vitamin and minerals.
3-for the first step something sweet that rapidly change to calorie.

Answer 7

Alot of liquid, especially water. Eat carb foods.

Answer 8

Carbs

Answer 9

Interesting discussion!

Answer 10

Peanut butter, cheese and a half gallon of water.