Foodie Favorites: Foods you should avoid this holiday season if you want to donate plasma

Avoid fatty foods

With the holidays upon us, it's all too easy to be lured by the siren call of calorie-laden feasts. But, if you're thinking of donating plasma, it's time to give a second thought to that extra slice of pie or the heaping helping of fries. Why? Because those fatty foods can throw a wrench in the plasma donation process. The fat in your bloodstream can make it trickier to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. This process, known as plasmapheresis, allows us to collect the plasma we need from your donation.
And let's be real, who wants to be stuck in the donation chair longer than necessary? We're all about making your experience as smooth and speedy as possible. So, in the days before your appointment, opt for lighter, healthier fare to keep the fat content in your blood to a minimum. Your body—and those in need of your donation—will thank you!

We all know the usual suspects when it comes to fatty foods—the golden, crispy fries, the marbled steaks, and the buttery mashed potatoes. As tempting as they are, they're not the best for a successful plasma donation at CSL Plasma. Try to avoid or decrease the intake of fried and greasy foods (think potato chips or fried chicken), fatty meats (liver, ham, bacon, or sausage), and most fast food (burgers, fries).
Being mindful of the fats you eat can really make a difference in how your plasma donation goes. And hey, remember, it's not just about you—it's about the people who need your donation to stay healthy. So, let's make those little tweaks to your diet and keep the big picture in mind.

Keep an Eye on the Dairy

Before you hop in the car or jump on the bus to donate plasma this holiday season, let's talk about the types of dairy food that you’re eating. It’s best to reduce intake of or avoid high fat dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, egg yolks, cream and butter in the days leading up to your plasma donation. Why? Because these dairy delights can bump up the fat in your blood and take longer for your body to digest. This could create sluggish flow and make it difficult to separate the plasma which means longer donation times or an early discontinuation of the donation. And that could mean a longer, less enjoyable time at CSL Plasma.

If you're a fan of the creamy goodness that dairy brings to the table, fret not. There's a whole world of low-fat dairy products as well as plant-based options that are kind to your plasma. Think soy, almond, and coconut milk—they've got the same luscious textures without dairy's drawbacks. Plus, they're often lower in fat, which is a win-win for those of us aiming for a healthy diet to prep for our plasma donation. This holiday season, make your favorite dishes with these dairy-free treats and enjoy every bite. You're still on track to make a difference with your donation.

Skip the sugary drinks

When you're gearing up to donate plasma, it's not just about what you eat—what you drink matters, too. With the holidays coming, it's easy to drink sweet drinks, like soda, eggnog, and even hot cocoa. But here's the thing: all that sugar can leave you high and dry. Literally. Dehydration is no friend to the donation process. It makes it trickier for the staff to find your veins and can slow down plasma flow, which isn't what we want. So, let's make a pact to keep those sugar bombs at bay, and instead, reach for the good stuff—water, that is.

And here's a tip: those sugary drinks? They can mess with your blood sugar levels, leading to all sorts of icky feelings like fatigue and dizziness. We definitely don't want that to cramp your donation style. So, let's keep things steady by avoiding the sweet stuff prior to donating plasma and making sure your donation is as smooth as can be.

Skip the alcohol

Knocking back a few in the days leading up to your plasma donation can cause some chaos. Alcohol can dry you out, and when you're dehydrated, your blood's plasma shrinks, making it harder to perform your plasma donation.

But it's not just dehydration we're worried about. Alcohol can also alter your blood pressure and heart rate, which can throw off the separation of your blood components. We want to keep everything nice and steady for a smooth donation, and that's why we ask you to skip the drinks in the days leading up to your plasma donation. Skip the booze and choose water to ensure your plasma donation is as smooth as possible.

Know what to eat

Getting ready to donate plasma, especially around the holidays, is more than just showing up at CSL Plasma. Think about loading up on the good stuff—lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu, and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. They're the unsung heroes, giving you all the nutrients without the pesky saturated fats that can throw a wrench in plasma donation work.

And let's not forget our fruit and veggie friends. They're chock-full of the good stuff your body needs to keep on trucking. Staying hydrated is a biggie, too. Water does wonders for keeping your body's fluid levels in check, which is super important for plasma donation. Try to drink eight glasses a day. If you're out and about or the sun's getting very hot, you might want to drink more.

Now, let's talk turkey—literally. When you're planning your meals, think about what's on your plate and how it might affect your plasma donation. We're talking about those high-in-the-bad-stuff foods: the ones loaded with saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar. You know, the holiday favorites we all love but should steer clear of before donating. Think twice about that extra slice of pie, those deep-fried goodies, and the sugar-laden drinks. Instead, go for the healthier swaps—grilled or baked lean proteins, and fresh fruit juices. Your body will thank you, and so will we when you donate plasma at CSL Plasma.

And hey, let's not kid ourselves—eating right doesn't mean you're stuck with boring meals. You can still whip up some pretty tasty stuff by getting a little creative in the kitchen. How about using low-fat milk in your mashed potatoes instead of heavy cream? Or maybe try a drizzle of olive oil instead of a pat of butter in your cooking. These simple swaps can make a world of difference in how your body handles those fatty foods. And when you're mindful of what you eat, you're setting yourself up to donate like a pro and help others in the process.