What to Eat After Donating Plasma: Full 2024 Guide
Donating plasma can save lives and improve health outcomes for many people in need. The procedure is low-risk for the donor and has minimal side effects. If you feel generous with your plasma, you should absolutely get in touch with a donation center near you, and they’ll explain the procedure.
You should know that donating plasma may lead to a temporary reduction in essential nutrients and fluids in your body. This is why it’s important to know what to eat in the days after you’ve donated.
With the help of our nutritionist, I’ve compiled some pointers on meals that can help you recover, as well as foods you should avoid. I also have tips on how to raise your hydration levels, as well as lists of electrolyte-rich foods and beverages that can help you replenish lost minerals.
Disclaimer: This article isn’t intended to provide medical advice. The information presented is for informational purposes only. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider to ensure your health and safety.
Nutritional Needs After Plasma Donation
Your body will replace the donated plasma within 48 hours or so. During that time, you should make sure you eat a nutritious and balanced diet that’s rich in protein and that you drink plenty of fluids.
Replenishing Fluids and Electrolytes
Donating plasma can reduce your blood volume by about 800 milliliters. This is why you should be well-hydrated before reaching the plasma center.
After donating, look for ways to rehydrate. Water and coconut water are both good choices. You can also get a few electrolyte drinks, but avoid sports or energy drinks. They usually contain caffeine, taurine, or synthetic colors and flavors, which may accentuate dehydration.
You can also replenish your electrolytes with bananas, leafy greens, yogurt, and broth.
High-Protein Foods for Recovery
Although it’s mostly water, plasma also contains antibodies and coagulation proteins, as well as other essential proteins.
So, immediately after donating, your protein count will be a little low. This is nothing to worry about, as it will get back on track in the following days, but if you’re eager to boost your recovery, include more protein-rich foods in your meals.
If you’re an omnivore, this is a good time to enjoy some lean meats like a hamburger made with lean cuts of pork, grilled chicken or turkey breast with steamed veggies, or a sirloin steak.
Vegetarians can get protein from eggs and dairy products, while vegan plasma donors can get their protein from tofu and other soy products, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
Author’s tip: Both Factor and Purple Carrot offer high protein meals. This way, you can plan out your meals for the entire week that you go and donate. Additionally, both companies offer add-ons like protein shakes, smoothies, bars, and cookies, so you’re all set.
One option that works for every diet is a homemade protein smoothie or shake that contains protein powder. You get electrolytes, protein, and hydration in 1 tasty drink. You can also try protein bars, which are easy to carry around and have right after donating.
If you don’t feel like cooking right after donating and you don’t want to spend your money on eating out, you can make sure you have a cooked meal at home with either Factor (if you eat meat) or Purple Carrot (for Plant-based meals).
Foods to Avoid Before and After Donating Plasma
What you eat and drink before and after donating will influence how you feel during the donation and immediately after. Some foods can impact the quality of your plasma, so make sure to avoid those.
Avoid Heavy and Fatty Foods Before Donating Plasma
Heavy, fatty foods like takeouts or deep-fried foods are harder to digest and can impact the quality of your plasma¹. Also, a heavy meal immediately before your donation increases the risk of digestive discomfort.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol After Donating Plasma
Caffeine is a diuretic and makes you want to pee. Immediately after your plasma donation, your body is short on water, so drinking caffeinated beverages is a big no-no.
Alcohol circulates to your brain and body through your blood system. After a plasma donation, you still have the same number of red blood cells, but the volume of your blood has decreased. This means that you’ll have a higher blood alcohol content after consuming a drink.
You’re also low on water and may be a bit queasy, so the best thing you can do is stay away from alcoholic beverages for at least 8 hours after your donation.
Easy-to-Digest Foods
Together with our nutritionist, I put together a list of foods that are nourishing and hydrating and ideal for after plasma donation. This should make it easier to choose the right foods and plan your meals.
5 Light and Nourishing Meals
5 Hydrating and Refreshing Foods
What’s Involved in a Plasma Donation?
To donate plasma, you have to go through several steps²:
- To make sure you are eligible, you must first register at a donation center and go through a health screening. This includes answering questions about your medical history and undergoing a quick physical check-up.
- Once cleared, you move to a comfortable chair where the donation takes place. A needle is inserted into your arm (just like a blood donation), and your blood is drawn into a machine that separates the plasma from other blood components.
- The machine then returns the non-plasma components to your body through the same needle. The actual donation process takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Afterward, you're encouraged to rest briefly, hydrate, and have a snack to recover.
As you can see, the process isn’t scary. In most parts, it’s similar to a blood donation. It just takes a little longer; there are more documents to fill in and additional checkups.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Most plasma donors have minimal or no complications after donating plasma.
However, there have been cases of people who experience fatigue, dizziness, bruising, bleeding, or severe dehydration. To make sure your plasma donation goes smoothly, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Take the 10 to 15 minutes offered by the donation center to make sure you feel good.
Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours (regular daily activities should be fine).
During the first hours after donation, monitor yourself for signs of dizziness, fatigue, and other symptoms.
If symptoms of nausea and dehydration persist after the first 24 hours, seek medical attention.
FAQ
What are the best foods to eat immediately after donating plasma?
The best foods to eat immediately after donating are light and nourishing meals rich in protein, iron, and vitamin C, such as lean meats, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.
Why is it important to eat after donating plasma?
Eating helps replenish lost nutrients, maintain energy levels, and support the body’s recovery process.
How soon should I eat after donating plasma?
It's recommended to eat a snack or meal within 1-2 hours after donation to restore nutrients and blood sugar levels. You’ll also receive snacks and drinks at the plasma center, which you should consume while resting.
What should I drink after donating plasma?
After donating, you’ll be dehydrated, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids like electrolyte drinks to replace lost fluids.
Can I eat junk food after donating plasma?
While you can, it's better to choose nutritious foods that aid recovery and restore your body’s balance. Most junk food lacks nutrients and has a high salt or sugar content, which doesn’t help with your low hydration levels.
Should I take supplements after donating plasma?
If recommended by a healthcare provider, taking iron or vitamin supplements can be beneficial.
Are there any foods to avoid after donating plasma?
Avoid alcohol and caffeine immediately after donating, as they can lead to dehydration.
References
1. https://www.blood.co.uk/plasma/how-to-donate-plasma/
2. https://www.hhs.gov/givingequalsliving/giveplasma/giving-process
