YES. You can eat cheese before donating plasma.
In fact, cheese is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining blood volume and preventing dehydration. However, it is important to eat cheese in moderation before donating plasma. Too much cheese can make you feel full and uncomfortable, and it can also make it difficult for the plasma donation center to find a vein.
Some tips for eating cheese before donating plasma
- High-fat and high-protein foods like cheese can take a long time for your body to digest. Eating cheese too close to your donation time may cause nausea or discomfort during the donation process.
- Try to eat cheese at least 2-3 hours before donating plasma, to give your body enough time to digest it. This will help avoid any upset stomach or nausea.
- Hard aged cheeses and sharp cheddar tend to be easier to digest than soft, fresh cheeses. They also have less moisture, which is important for plasma donors who need to stay hydrated.
- Eat cheese in moderation, as a small snack before donating plasma. A slice or two of cheese is generally fine, but a large helping could cause digestive issues.
- Make sure to stay properly hydrated if you do eat cheese beforehand. Drink plenty of water to help your body digest the fat and protein from the cheese and prepare for plasma donation.
- Listen to your body during the donation process. If you start feeling nauseous or experience stomach pain, let the staff know right away so they can take action. They may ask you not to eat cheese before your next donation.
- In general, opting for lighter, low-fat snacks that are easy to digest is ideal within a few hours of donating plasma. Fruit, crackers, toast and yogurt are good alternatives to cheese.
While eating small amounts of cheese a few hours before donating plasma is usually fine, staying properly hydrated and listening to your body’s reaction is important. Harder cheeses may be better tolerated, and eating cheese as part of a balanced, hydrating meal is recommended.
Some foods you can SAFETY to eat before donating plasma
Before donating plasma, it’s important to eat foods that will provide you with sustained energy through the process but also be easy to digest. Here are some recommended options:
1. Lean Protein
- Chicken breast
- Baked or grilled fish like tilapia or salmon
- Tofu
Lean proteins provide a good balance of amino acids to replenish what is lost during plasma donation. They digest smoothly and release energy slowly.
2. Whole Grains
- Whole wheat bread
- Brown rice
- Pasta
- Oatmeal
Whole grains are high in complex carbs and fiber that are slowly absorbed. They keep you full and energized for longer. Choose unbuttered, unsweetened options.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
- Bananas
- Berries
- Carrots
- Celery
- Lettuce
Fruits and non-starchy veggies contain water and fiber to aid digestion. They are low in calories but high in nutrients to replenish what you lose during donation.
4. Low-Fat Dairy
- 1% or skim milk
- Greek yogurt
- Hard cheeses like Parmesan
- String cheese
Low-fat dairy products balance protein and calcium loss during plasma donation. They digest smoothly and pair well with fruit for an easy pre-donation snack.
5. Fluids
- Water
- Electrolyte beverages
- Decaf teas and coffees
Staying hydrated before donating plasma helps compensate for fluid loss during the process. Avoid sugary juices and limit caffeinated drinks.
The key is to choose foods that will sit comfortably during your donation. Eat smaller portion sizes and avoid greasy, spicy or heavy meals within a few hours of donating plasma. Stay hydrated and listen to your body, stopping the procedure if needed.
Some foods that you should AVOID before donating plasma
It is important to avoid eating fatty or sugary foods before donating plasma. These foods can make you feel full and uncomfortable, and they can also make it difficult for the plasma donation center to find a vein.
There are certain types of foods that can upset your stomach, raise blood pressure or interfere with plasma donation in other ways. Here are some foods to avoid before donating plasma:
1. Fatty Foods
- Fried chicken
- Burgers and fries
- Sausage
- Bacon
High-fat foods take longer to digest and can cause indigestion, nausea or discomfort during your plasma donation.
2. Sugary Foods
- Candy
- Cake
- Chips
- Soda
- Pastries
Sugar spikes your blood glucose which triggers an insulin response. This can lower your blood pressure during donation and cause dizziness or fainting.
3. Caffeinated Drinks
- Coffee
- Black or green tea
- Energy drinks
Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causes dehydration and raises blood pressure. It can also interfere with sleep needed to recover from plasma donation.
4. Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours before donating plasma. Alcohol can lower your blood platelet count and hemoglobin levels, affecting eligibility.
5. Tobacco Products
Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products should be avoided before donating plasma. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and may lower donation yield.
In general, opt for lighter, low-fat meals and snacks that are easy to digest within a few hours of donating plasma. Fruits, veggies, lean proteins and whole grains are usually best.
Avoid overly spicy or heavy meals that could cause issues during your donation. Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and compensate for fluid loss.
If you do consume any of the foods listed above, make sure to eat moderately and give your body enough time to digest before donating plasma.
What are some other things you should avoid before donating plasma?
Here are some other things you should avoid before donating plasma:
- Vigorous exercise – Strenuous physical activity within 12-24 hours of donating plasma should be limited. Exercise can lower your plasma volume, increase heart rate and dehydrate you, making donation more difficult.
- Over-the-counter medications – Avoid OTC drugs containing aspirin, ibuprofen or antihistamines for at least 48 hours before donating plasma. They can affect eligibility by thinning your blood or interfering with platelets.
- Illegal drugs – Donating plasma under the influence of illegal substances is unsafe and may disqualify you from the donation process. Notify the staff of any recent drug use.
- Inadequate sleep – Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep the night before donating plasma. Fatigue can make the process harder to tolerate and slow your recovery.
- Tattoos/piercings – Wait at least 4 months after getting a new tattoo or body piercing to donate plasma. This reduces the risk of infection transmission.
In general, avoid things that could cause dehydration, raise your heart rate or blood pressure, or otherwise interfere with a safe and successful plasma donation. Listen to your body and notify the staff if you have any concerns before proceeding with donation. Your health comes first.
