29 Aug Donating Blood Could Save Your Life
One of the greatest gifts a person can give is the gift of a second chance at life. Whether in the event of a disaster or when a local blood drive occurs, people head over to the blood donation centers to have their arms pricked by a phlebotomy specialist and do their good deed for the day.
Countless classes have taught the benefits of donating blood to help other people; however, giving blood may also help to save your own life.
The Health Benefits of Donating Blood
Donating blood helps to reduce large amounts of minerals and potentially harmful metals that accumulate in the body over time. Seeing a phlebotomy specialist and donating blood can be even more helpful for men, as they do not have the opportunity to lose blood monthly due to menstruation. This loss of blood may contribute to the lifespan gap between men and women.
Blood Donation Can Help With Type II Diabetes
It is believed that donating blood can help reduce the risk of a handful of diseases such as Type II Diabetes. A number of studies have shown that donating blood helps to reduce large amounts of stored-up iron. This increases the amount of insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the chances of Type II Diabetes.
A study performed by the AACC found that people who donated blood 2-10 times yearly had lower iron levels and better glucose sensitivity. Studies do not yet know why low blood stores increase glucose sensitivity; it could just be a correlational effect.
Donating Blood Can Reduce Chances of Cancer
Research has shown that donating blood actively reduces the chances of developing cancer. During blood donation, the body releases iron from the blood. While iron is necessary for bodily function, excessive levels can be toxic. Iron is linked to aging and cancer due to its ability to increase free-radical damage in the body.
In another study, one group reduced their iron stores by bloodletting twice a year; the control group did not release any blood. By the end of the study, those that had released blood were at a much lower risk of cancer.
Studies suggest that blood donation can reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases, thus increasing life expectancy. Blood donation can help both the lives of others, and yours!