Does Donating Plasma Burn Calories?

Donating plasma has lately become a much-talked-about practice around the globe due to various health benefits. This also includes weight loss resulting from loss of calories during donation.

It is being argued that the body loses calories due to the loss of a lot of fluid and then the body uses energy to regain the lost plasma, hence resulting in burning some extra calories.

It is important that you do not confuse plasma donation with blood donation. Blood donation results in more caloric loss as compared to the former. However, donating blood frequently can have undesirable side effects.

Plasma on the other hand is 95% water and donating plasma can cause temporary weakness. However, it does have scientifically backed proof that it helps lose calories. And the exact amount depends upon how much plasma you donate and how often. 

Can Donating Plasma Help Lose Weight?

The simplest answer to this question is, yes! Donating plasma means losing some calories because the body burns energy to replenish the lost plasma. In doing so, the body loses some calories and lost calories means lost weight especially when this is done on a regular basis.

However, the thing to be noted here is that this weight loss can not be permanent until it is accompanied by a workout and a balanced diet. The weight lost as a result of plasma donation is caused by fluid loss, not fat loss. So, it will be temporary weight loss if it is not followed by exercise.

Does Donating Plasma Burn Calories?

Yes, it does burn calories because once the plasma is lost due to donation, the body tries to replenish it and in doing so it burns calories. This is the reason some people may feel temporary weakness and a feeling of tiredness or laziness after a donation session. 

The number of calories lost depends on the amount of blood drawn from the body and this amount in turn is dependent on your body weight. For a clear idea about how much blood a health practitioner would draw from your body and how many calories will be burnt to replenish this loss, refer to the table below:

Weight Range	Plasma Drawn	Calories Lost
110-149 lbs	690ml	483.69
150-175lbs	825ml	578.33
175lbs- above	880ml	616.88

In short, number of calories lost is influenced by the amount of blood drawn from your body. And the amount of blood that will be drawn depends on which weight range you fall into from the above-mentioned three ranges. 

However, plasma donation as compared to blood donation burns a lesser number of calories. On the other hand, the side effects associated with donating plasma regularly are mild as compared to donating blood on a regular basis. 

Does Donating Plasma Change Your Body?

Donating plasma has its own set of advantages and disadvantages most of the side effects, however, are of a temporary nature. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, you can donate plasma as frequently as every two days and no more than twice in 7 weeks.

The department mentions that donating plasma can have some mild and temporary side effects including dizziness, dehydration, bruises, and tiredness. However, these side effects subside shortly after donation. 

What Are The Benefits of Donating Plasma?

Before you decide to donate plasms, it is important to make sure that you are eligible for it. This involves adhering to the following requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• You should have a weight of a minimum of 110 pounds.
• You need to pass a medical exam and undergo a screening process that ensures that you don’t test positive for Hepatitis, and HIV. 
• You must not have gotten a tattoo for at least the last 4 months.

Plasma Donation Follows These Steps:

• If it is the first time you are going to donate, it can take a couple of hours. However, after that, the sessions won’t last more than 90 minutes.
• The blood will be extracted and the machine will separate plasma from it.
• The rest of the blood will be sent back into your body.
• Make sure you do not get up immediately after plasma donation as it may cause dizziness.

Here are some of the health benefits associated with plasma donation;

Type of Health Benefit	Description
Routine Health Screening	Plasma donation results in losing calories as the body tries to replenish lost fluids leads to losing weight when donations are regular
Calories Reduction	Donors undergo a through health screening early detection of health conditions is possible.
Saves Lives	Donors undergo a thorough health screening early detection of health conditions is possible.
Decent Compensation	While helping others, you can earn decent compensation for donating plasma.

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Do I Need To Eat More after Donating Plasma?

After donating plasma, you might feel a dip in energy level. However, this doesn’t mean you need to eat a lot after donation. However, health practitioners advise eating meals after donation which are high in protein. Similarly, regular donors should eat a diet high in iron.

Since plasma is mostly water, losing plasma means losing body fluid along with salts. In order to avoid dehydration, you need to replenish the body for lost fluid and salts. In such cases, a protein smoothie will not only replenish the lost protein but also be effective against the risk of dehydration. Similarly, taking electrolytes and juices right after donation is also advisable.

What Are Long Term Effects of Donating Plasma?

Donating plasma has more benefits rather than side effects. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, plasma donation doesn’t result in long-term side effects.

The short-term side effects may include, bleeding, bruises, dehydration, and dizziness. It rather purifies the blood of unhealthy cholesterol which means reduced risk of heart stroke. Besides it helps maintain a weight when donated regularly. 

Can I Donate Plasma And Workout?

Right after donating plasma, workouts should be avoided. It is generally advised that a donor should wait at least 24 hours before resuming a workout routine. This is to avoid worsening of immediate short-term side effects after plasma donation.

Besides, the body needs some time to start the replenishment process. Hence, you should avoid rigorous workouts after donation and focus on getting a diet rich in protein and fluids. 

Besides, it is even advisable to avoid a rigorous workout right before donation especially if you are going to donate for the first time. Instead get some low fat, healthy diet to prepare your body for plasma donation.

Frequently Asked Questions