Blood Donation Concerns

(John Cotter) #1

Hey all,

Pre-Keto I would donate blood regularly and I was recently contacted to go in again, I have a blood type that is fairly versatile. If you’ve donated blood before you know that there is a rest period afterwards where you are offered sugary foods/drinks. My preference would be not to have it, though I’m not worried about a one off (I started keto for weight loss and future prevention of issues). I really don’t want to have a heated discussion with support staff at a donation event. I’m wondering if anyone else has given blood while keto and 1) how they have navigated the post donation food and liquid ‘recharge’, 2) did they have any other effects afterwards (more susceptible to being lightheaded).

Edit: Also wanted to mention that I also tend to do IF occasionally through the week.

(Nick) #2

I think the UK is easier, because the customary refreshment is a cup of tea, to which it’s perfectly fine not to add sugar. You get offered a biscuit (cookie) with it, but they don’t attack you if you refuse.

I usually bring with a Quest Bar or something, which I have with my cup of tea. Everyone’s fine.

I don’t feel any different than I did as a sugar burner after a donation. If anything, my recovery is faster these days.

(John Cotter) #3

That’s a great idea, it never occurred to me to take my own ‘treat’.

#4

Where I am, they’re perfectly happy if you take a bottle of water and nothing else.

(Roxanne) #5

They don’t force their treats on you where I am. They are fine if you just have water, or even nothing at all, as long as you hang around for 15 minutes or so.

#6

I have successfully given blood while keto. In fact, I easily passed the hemoglobin test which I have frequently failed or been “borderline” on pre-keto. I have an appt to donate this afternoon and I happen to be on day 3 of a water/ electrolyte only fast (not intentionally scheduled this way). Hydrating like mad and hoping for the best. I will not have any Red Cross snacks after, just water. They have never given me a hard time in the past.

(Hagen) #7

7 years ago, Ireland stopped giving you a free pint of Guinness after you donated blood. :disappointed:

(Lynne Hurley Perry) #8

That is sad Festus.

(Susan) #9

I gave blood yesterday.
The nurse said people on keto some times have issues. Because I hadn’t eaten breakfast they refused to take my blood unless I ate some salty snacks. I was well hydrated and had some packages of salt. I figured it was Christmas time so one back of chips wouldn’t hurt. I was dizzy just as my donation was finished. I drank a mango juice (tasted like fruity glucose) and ate a 1/2 a bag of pretzels. I ate a keto meal when i got home, and a keto dinner. Today I felt weak and nauseated and I have severe brain fog. I hope it doesn’t last.