Everybody knows the importance of blood donation. Giving blood could save lives. But do you know how true the statement can be when it comes to your own blood and your own body? Indeed, you don’t need to receive blood to improve your health.
A variety of factors, such as your diet, your activity levels, and your sleep quality, influence your health. But these factors all come together inside your blood.
Indeed, the blood serves essential functions in your body:
it transports nutrients and oxygen
it forms blood clots to prevent blood loss
it carries antibodies and cells to fight infections
it brings waste products to the filter station in your body, the kidneys, and livers
it regulates body temperature
Here are 4 lesser-known facts about your blood and how it can improve your health.
#1. Bloodborne pathogens still have a high transmission rate
You may think that sanitizing all surfaces inside your home means you can protect your health. However, microorganisms that are found in the blood can still enter your system. Hepatitis and HIV are some of the most contagious bloodborne pathogens and continue to affect individuals every day. If you are unsure about how to protect yourself, you can learn more about these unique pathogens here. Vaccines and preventive measures can save lives.
#2. The pressure in your arteries can increase with age
For most people, high blood pressure tends to develop over many years, which is why age is a significant risk factor for blood pressure. Other factors can also contribute to elevated pressure, such as your diet, your physical activities, your weight, and stress. But you may not realize the meaning of excessive pressure on your artery walls:
Weakening of blood vessels, preventing organs' natural functions
the heart needs to maintain high-pressure pumping, making failure and stroke more likely
damage to the thinner vessels, such as in the eyes or the brain
#3. Extreme temperatures can affect your heart
Heat exhaustion is a frequent risk during a heatwave. But how does it relate to your blood? The blood vessels are essential in regulating body temperature. Your blood absorbs and distributes the heat through the body. To get rid of excess heat, your blood vessels dilate and move closer to the skin surface, where the heat can be safely evacuated. However, when blood vessels dilate, they increase pressure on the heart, potentially leading to symptoms of heat exhaustion. Help your body manage temperature by drinking water, which keeps the electrolytes balanced and ensures your heartbeat can work correctly.
#4. Your blood can give you a youthful appearance
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP treatments, are said to be the fountain of youth. How does your blood boost skin health? Platelets are a blood component that activates coagulation to prevent bleeding. Used topically as part of a beauty treatment, their nature triggers growth factors, which increase cellular renewal and collagen production. They also contribute to evening blood circulation, preventing redness.
Protecting your arteries and giving your blood safe nutrients can help preserve your organs' functions for longer. Indeed, when your blood vessels are clogged or weakened, nutrients may not reach your organs, and your heart must sustain excessive pressure.
Additionally, blood components also require attention, ranging from preventing infections to utilizing your platelets for more.
The bottom line: Healthy blood may be the secret to living a longer life!
