Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
It’s no secret that staying hydrated is important for your general health, but did you know it is also extremely important before and after donating blood? About half of your blood is made up of water, so it’s recommended that you drink an extra 16 ounces of water before your appointment to help steady your blood pressure and minimize dizziness.
Shockingly, more than half of U.S. citizens don’t drink enough water. The USDA recommends between 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, and if drinking that much water seems daunting to you, we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a few infused water recipes below to help boost your hydration and satisfy your flavor-loving tastebuds.
Each of these recipes starts with a glass or pitcher filled with ice. You’ll then add the fruit and herb concoction of your choosing and top with water!
(We’ve included nutritional information for the ingredients below. While the infused waters don’t typically take on high levels of vitamins and minerals, we encourage snacking while preparing because who can resist a healthy sweet treat?)
Maybe you’re craving sunshine and bold, tangy flavors. Or, perhaps you're looking to increase your intake of vitamins like C, B6, potassium and magnesium. Either way, this bright citrus combination is sure to be just the trick.
Ingredients: sliced lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit.
Tips: Removing the rinds and being mindful of how long the fruit soaks can help minimize any bitter notes. Slice to your desired size and remove seeds if you desire.
Light and refreshing, this combo boasts a subtle flavor with a crisp minty flavor that will linger on your tongue. Watermelon boasts a powerful punch of vitamin A, while mint can help improve digestion and brain function. (Bonus: Watermelon is good for helping boost your iron, also key for donating blood, so be sure to eat a slice or two!)
Ingredients: sliced watermelon and fresh mint.
Tips: Watermelon is mostly water to begin with, so it may dissolve quickly. If you aren’t a fan of pulp, we suggest infusing the water in a pitcher, straining and then adding it to your daily water bottle.
A unique combination that’s sure to satiate your sweet tooth, this duo is high in vitamin C, manganese, calcium and vitamin K. Plus, basil is believed to help with inflammation and gut health, so it’s a go-to for sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients: sliced strawberry, cucumber, green apple and fresh basil.
Tips: We recommend starting with the fruits and then adding the basil in small amounts so you can control the flavor. (If you’re a basil lover, then the more the better!)
Feeling brave and playful? Try creating your own infusion! With nearly endless combinations, you’re sure to never be bored by plain old water again. And, once you’ve conquered your hydration, you can schedule your next blood donation knowing you’ll be perfectly prepared to donate blood.