I have been donating for years. The main reason is because, unlike money, I know where it goes: to help someone. You can't get it anywhere else but from a donation. I am O+, and have donated about 10 gallons. I am female and 62, no meds, knock on wood, healthy. I am very active and try to eat well and cook all the time. This is great news, didn't know there were other benefits besides helping others.
My Dad gave blood... had his 50 gallon pin. He passed at 103.5 and lived a healthy life of mountain climbing, bicycling for weeks in France, bicycled to work etc.
@@michaelb41 stop it. People quit smoking after smoking for 30 years. There’s no argument against it. Everyone recognizes that it is terrible for your health. Same with sugar. Just because you spent your life eating cookies and ice cream doesn’t mean you should keep doing it.
I made my husband donate blood due to his high iron levels and high cholesterol! That and over the counter supplements got his cholesterol down from 262 to 174 I believe donating blood has many benefits!
What supplements, if I may ask? My doctor wants me on statins since recently turning 50 because of high cholesterol but I am trying to avoid it as I already take Synthroid for hypothyroidism.
@@banjobanjo-xn7lq I don’t remember all of them, but red rice yeast, niacin, apple pectin and garlic were some of them! I think the donating blood had the biggest impact since the new blood your body is building has lesser cholesterol! Also we changed his diet to fish, fruit and veggies mostly! Carbs were oats and brown rice!
@@claudiaaquino7238 Red yeast rice extract naturally contains lovastatin, so it's a statin drug. Statin drugs are known to be deadly. See: Zoe Harcombe.
I started donating blood last year for the first time because I wanted to know if I had covid antibodies. What I discovered was this was not painful and very gratifying that I was helping someone. I have continued to donate and thought that it had to be good for you as it would cause your body to work to replace what you donated. I just donated and am having surgery in February and think this donation was an excellent thing to do. I will continue to give regularly! Excellent video!
While I was in college I had a hypothesis that donating blood as often as possible would increase the overall health of your blood by increasing the turnover of blood cells. Getting rid of old cells causing the body to make new ones to replace the ones that are lost. I would love to conduct a study that tests this idea!
Great content, Mike! I’m 57 and have donated over 90 units in my lifetime. Usually donate 3-4 times per year but not before a 5k 😬 Had ER doc tell me another benefit is that a donation flushes heavy metals out of the body, which tend to settle in the organs. I also had COV and it was super mild. My wife had severe COV and her docs kept telling her about her “sticky blood”
You need to look into grounding (Earthing). It normalizes the blood by thinning it, therefore getting blood into the cells easier which increases cell cleansing and repair. Sleeping grounded is best and grounding throughout the day is the best. Checkout the work by Clint Ober for more on the subject.
How can I have forgotten this? It’s more than important information. It’s vital. Especially for men! Annual blood testing and donating blood is very good and important…👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Remember back when we were hunter gatherers we would lose more blood due to parasites (which we don't have anymore) and injuries. It is unheard of for premenopausal women to have heart blockages, because they "donate" blood every 28 days.
@@Highintensityhealth Hey Mike, I know you mentioned that donating blood once or twice a year is helpful. How much more frequently can you donate safely to maximize the benefits, without doing yourself harm?
@@Highintensityhealth Hey Mike, So I donated blood first time about 6 months ago. I was prepared to start doing it at least twice a year. Everything was going great until the last couple of minutes. Got so dizzy, light headed , nauseous upset stomach. Didn't feel good for at least a week later. Now I'm hesitant. Any suggestions? Again everything was great just until I was almost done. It really did feel like a week before I felt better.
I used to donate platelets regularly, but moved to an area where it's not offered 10 yrs ago. There have been several times these past 10 yrs I've thought I'd feel so much better if I could donate blood. Listening to you I researched and a brand new donating center has been opened locally. I'll call Monday to schedule an appointment. Excited & grateful for your speaking in this subject.
My nephew who works an ER and ICU nurse in Qatar said most of the patients who died from Covid-19 had very thick blood. They couldn't even insert a Central Line in one of the patients because the blood vessels were so clogged up
Local 32y/o female doctor just died of a pulmonary embolism. My guess is the magic serum that was required for her work. How many people would survive if monitored after said treatment?
Blood donating 2-3 times a year crashed my ferritin levels. I felt like absolute garbage! Took months to get levels back to mid normal. Good hydration is key to lowering hematocrit
Yes! Finally- a commenter who understands that hematocrit is just a snapshot in time of hydration- a ratio. It changes all throughout the day, based on hydration. Bloodletting and crashing your ferritin levels is not the way to go. Edit- now, if platelets are also high, there could actually be issues. But hematocrit, RBC and hemoglobin alone? Nah, no worries. Just drink more water.
@@4funner66 Really glad I came across your post. Mind telling me where I can find more information that correlates with yours? Haven't found much online other than the normal fear mongering info. Thanks
What has been known for many years now, and I find most interesting, is that women’s risk of heart disease increases not long after they go through menopause and cease their monthly bleeding. I read some years ago, a possible correlation between iron intake and cardiovascular disease, and the recommendation was to avoid taking extra iron if you were a male or post menopausal woman … then we look and see how many products are “fortified with iron” 🤔 🧐 … it’s like “they” are trying to make us sick so they can heal is with “their” drugs 🤨
Yes I found this out just after going through menopause. I now donate blood about every 10 weeks. I go to a research place -- they pay me. You can also donate white blood cells and get paid more than whole blood.
And of course eating a lot of meat increases iron to possibly harmful levels. Vegans sometimes swing too far the other way and can have a risk of low iron.
@@CelineNoyce it’s wonderful that you donate blood. I’ve been donating to Red Cross Blood Drives for years now … I’ve been denied a few times over the years but still I’ve managed to give over 7 gallons worth of whole blood 🩸
@@stargazerbird … good points about eating red meats and the iron you consume when eating it. Fortunately for non vegans, we can get enough protein from chicken and fish and avoid the extra iron.
Great video! I'm 65 and have been on TRT for 5 years. My doctor said I had thick blood and recommended I give blood often. I have followed her advice... Thx again for the great video!
This a very useful conversation. 10 months ago I was diagnosed with high blood iron (ferritin)/hemochromatosis. A serious side effect is high blood viscosity. I had phlebotomies every two weeks for 7 months. That combined with intermittent fasting led to normal blood iron, hemoglobin, and blood viscosity… not to mention 50 lbs of weight loss. I am grateful that my family physician ID’d the problem. At 60+, I am now close to my college weight, have better liver function, and staved off pre-diabetes. I appreciate the site’s ongoing conversations related to intermittent fasting, eliminating processed foods, and now the current topic. It has made a big difference in my life. My goal is to make these changes permanent.
@@noobiedooby26 My initial ferritin levels were 660 (forgot the units). After phlebotomies and IF, 50. Over the last two years, I had to have one phlebotomy (donated blood). Last doctors visit, I was at a ferritin level of 45. Diet-wise, I cut out all processed carbs, increased protein intake, focused on colorful veggies and leafy greens. Also have been pretty consistent about weightlifting plus light cardio. These changes were an absolute game-changer for me. Insulin resistance can also contribute to these problems. Again, I hope to make these changes permanent for me. IF has proven very effective and easy to stick to. Best of luck.
In 2017 I got a blood clot in my leg which broke off and went to my lungs. Also caused damage to my heart. I was able to reverse the heart damage. I was told after they checked “everything” that it was unprovoked. Now just recently my labs came back with high iron. I started digging through past records after watching this video and I now know why I got a blood clot. And I have been told over the years I have “thick” blood. And not a single doctor was concerned about it. I am giving blood this weekend.
This is probably one of the most important videos I have seen regarding a link to covid severity of symptoms and how to minimize them. I'm 52, and I cut my finger the other day. I was troubled by how thick my blood felt and how quickly it stopped coming out of the cut. This explains it as I'm also menopausal. Many thanks for such important information!
I donated blood about 6 months ago for someone needing blood after a car accident. Had I not done that, I wouldn't have been informed that I had the C19 antibodies, so I had natural immunity. Yeah, I'm all about blood donation for men!
I give blood 2 or 3 X per year. I take 2 water bottles, about 1.5 L, put salt and electrolytes in the water and drink all of it while donating. It helps prevent getting dizzy for me
My Father was very rarely ill but passed at 53 yrs of a massive stroke (albeit 47 yrs ago now). Because of this I regularly eat leeks, garlic and onions to help 'thin' the blood. I have never given blood but through research know it helps prolongs good health and longevity.
I am currently 9 yrs ahead of my fabulous dad...who ate natural, home cooked stuff, had regular exercise but who also had 7 yrs of a really rough time in the war...came home, married a fabulous women....had 5 kids and then had to look after us and my Mother who was terribly ill. Natural nutrition and synergistic combinations are what still has me here. We have to look at our genetic predisposition...and then epigenetically over ride this. I wish you well in the world without garlic! But fair do's if you are over 100yrs as your text suggests....I salute you!!
It is so beneficial. Even for cancer. You know how I figured it out.. every supplement that seemed to work for cancer -- turmeric, IP6, thinned the blood. That is how I started looking into it. Did you know the American Diabetic Association recommends an aspirin daily for diabetics? Thick blood.
As much as possible i donate whole blood every three months. This coming December will be my 30th times... Thanks for this video this will help me encourage my friends to donate blood...
My rheumatologist put me on heparin, a common blood thinner for Myalgic Encephalitis back in 2007. I was completely bedridden when I started that treatment and it raised my level of functionally significantly. They called this doctor a quack at the time. My regular family physician questioned me going to him although he was offering zero treatment for my illness.
Sounds like you actually had mast cell activation syndrome pain. Heparin receptors helped it. Warfarin and lovenox did the same for me BEFORE I was finally diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome and genetic hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome collagen disorder.
@@DeniseTG13 I really appreciate your reply. This is very interesting. I read a bit of the research and don't have most of the symptoms. Just the flu like body aches and severe fatigue, none of the allergy type symptoms.
In UK live football matches being stopped while on television as medical teams dealing with people having heart attacks in the crowds. Never seen anything like it.
I started taking iron supplements about 5 years ago my blood pressure has been up sinse then. For years the FDA has been telling us to get enough iron in diet. This video hits home for me. Thanks for the video. Now I always read the label on anything I eat I never eat anything with high iron.
I think something big is being overlooked in this conversation regarding the assumptions being drawn between blood viscosity and health outcomes from infection in these studies. That omission is “acute phase reactants.” Acute phase reactants are a set of chemicals whose levels rise during times of physiologic stress. (Some acute phase reactants lower during times of stress but for simplicity I’ll say rise/increase) Infection is one of the common causes for an increase in acute phase reactants. In general, the acute phase reactants respond by making the blood more viscous. Some of the acute phase reactants are also directly part of the blood clotting cascade. Anyhow, the reason I bring all of this up is because the more severe the infection, the greater the increase in acute phase reactants. The greater the increase in acute phase reactants, the more viscous your blood will be. Viscous blood is a result of severe infection, not the cause. Death and poor health outcomes are also a result of severe infection. Your viscous blood isn’t what caused you to die, it is a symptom of severe infection. Severe infection is what caused you to die, not the thick blood. I really don’t think we should start leeching our blood without more comprehensive studies showing that blood donation directly improves general health and all cause mortality. We are already deficient enough in micronutrients compared to our ancestors
I use sassafras tea during the summer to thin blood. In winter it will make you cold. 1 heaping tablespoon of cut root to a gallon of water brought to a boil, then simmered for no more than an hour. I had to go to ER about 10 years ago and the nurses kept looking at the vials of my blood and turning them upside down. Finally one asked, "You're not on blood thinners?" NOPE. I didn't bother to tell them about the sassafras. Nattokinase from the fermented Japanese food natto also thins blood. In fall and winter I use triple strength Nattokinase from Swanson. It is potency 6750FU, highest one on the market. It is well researched as a blood thinner that also contains K2 that should be paired with D3. I can't donate blood as I deal with leukemia.
I'm so glad to see this video, as it validates what I've been telling my unlistening doctors for years. Last time I gave blood was in 1988, when I passed out from dehydration. My blood was so thick, it took two hours of squeezing a rubber ball in my fist to only get a half pint. They said it was partially from dehydration, but also my blood was very viscous. Now I am one of those 60 year olds with thrombosis and leg clotting and eating aspirin. Feh! I also have an overabundance of platelets, maybe I should donate those, if possible.
@@chetanrs It seems as if your question is trolling, rather than curiosity? What is the reason for your question on my pretty specific comment on the video?
@@KJensenStudioI wouldn't be trolling someone who's had the same condition as mine -- blood clots and thick blood; that is why my question was specific. I have had two blood clots in the past ten years. I have only recently gotten to know how dangerous thick blood is, so I am curious to know how you have managed yourself. I have been donating blood since 2020. And I have been hydrating a lot which seems to have an effect on hemoglobin and hct.
@@chetanrs Ah, alright then. I was concerned, sorry. There are so many trolls around. Earlier this year, both my legs were pretty solid all up the main veins to my torso, so I was put upon Eliquis (Apixoban?) for 4 months twice a day. When that healthcare-sponsored prescription ran out, they told me to just take low dose aspirin at night, drink plenty of water, take magnesium in the evening. I still have this condition, as I can feel it, and they did an ultrasound, but they said there's nothing more they can do, without prescribing Eliquis for the rest of my life. The insurance won't pay any more for it, so that is not happening, as it's $700. a month now. Insanity. But, I'm keeping it at bay; low salt, low cholesterol, aspirin, yoga, magnesium, vitamin E. Your hydrating is good, blood donating (how??) is good too, if you can the stuff to come out. I'd never had blood clots until now, in spite of thick blood, so I am going to lay this at the feet of the lockdowns and being sedentary for so long. Enjoy your life to the fullest, don't hold onto grudges, and best of luck to you.
Ive been looking into donating blood for the past few weeks and Im so happy this video was released. So much great info. Thank you. I have 2 copies of the H63D variant in the HFE gene. According to 23andMe "people with this result are not likely at risk of developing iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis". I have high iron levels and I do not eat red meat or other iron rich foods. I also have low ferritin levels. This tells me I have an excess iron in my blood stream. Most blood donation places in my area, Portland, OR, do not draw your blood if you have high iron levels. You CAN get a doctors note that recommends phlebotomy as a treatment. However, I do not technically have hereditary hemochromatosis (just elevated iron levels and I have no idea why) and I have shitty medicaid coverage - which means my doctor is booked 3 months out.
Being on TRT it has been recommended that I do donate blood once a quarter. I keep forgetting...but this was a great reminder. I will make an appointment. 🤙🏼
Thank you. I find information on the blood fascinating. Myself, husband, and our two young adults (23 & 21 yrs) just had extensive blood work completed. This discussion on blood viscosity furthered my reasonings on pushing them all to do blood work. 👍🏻
Tim Ferriss talked about this on The View. Jan 4, 2011. I distinctly remember Barbara was skeptical of him and he won her over with the blood donation recommendation.
My sister (60 but very active) who has varicose veins- developed clots -one 12 inch in thigh- within 2 weeks (Sept 2021)after 2nd Pf v. Her hemotologist finding no other causes- attributed to v. He also mentioned seeing others with similar clots. Luckily she was helped with blood thinners & the 12 in clot and the now dead vein will both be absorbed by her body. As of yesterday- I learned that she now has a breakthrough case of covid...so hopefully the blood thinners will have a protective factor.
My husband has this issue, high iron and thick blood. He donates blood every couple months. It’s interesting how much more energy he has right after. Thank you for covering this.
Before going to a Functional Medicine doctor, I had never heard of ferritin. Now, I donate blood 2x a year. I'm O-Negative and I wish I know this years ago!
Great information. I consider myself to be more knowledgeable in health physiology than most people but your channel continues to teach me more and more. Thank you!
I donate blood every 8 weeks. I was diagnosed with hemochromatosis, which is a hereditary condition that increases my iron absorption. When I first started giving blood, my blood was super thick and had a very dark color. They had to pull the blood out of my veins because it would clog the tube it was so thick. I can't imagine how hard my heart was having to work to pump that sludge. My ferritin level was north of 1500. Now all my levels are normal and I feel good about donating. They will occasionally send me an email when they used my blood to save someones life. Win win all around.
Thanks for the comment David, a lot of similarities with me. Approximately how long did it take for the donations to start changing your blood viscosity?
@@IH8CA One year of donating either weekly or biweekly and my numbers were normal. I have not had my viscosity measured, but when I donate now, it takes about 10 minutes and surprise how quickly I fill the bag.
@@david01879 Thank you so much for the reply. I take it you do therapeutic bloodletting (or whatever it's called) and not a standard Red Cross or equivalent blood donation? I'm only allowed to donate every 6 weeks I believe through Red Cross.
I'm 40 and I've never seen a doctor. I have never taken medications of any type, not even asprin or multivitamins. I eat whole foods and organs, I also squat and deadlift, and do a full body exercise 5 days a week, and have less than 5% body fat. So my question is if the average person sees a doctor every year, and those same people most likely have some sort of a prescription, and those same people can't even deadlift 300 pounds which isn't a lot but reasonable, than why see a doctor in the first place when the doctor will probably tell you to take some shit that will completely ruin your health.
I think 300 pounds is a little horrible to put as we should all be able to lift because I only weigh about 112 pounds in my 40s and I lift weights. I think it’s great that you lift 300 pounds but I wouldn’t say that’s actually a way to stay healthy either and the many people that put too much strain in their body is actually not too healthy. I have some people that live to be 100 and my family they eat healthy whole foods they had some consumption of boxed foods but nothing like today didn’t eat out that was very rare and walked that’s it the only exercise with walking went to the doctors many of my family members would not take vaccinations though and they didn’t take they took drugs but not tons of them
@@CelineNoyce true!!! I had Graves’ disease and had no idea and I was asymptomatic my eyes weren’t bulging out like most people I’ve been thin all my life and I started gaining weight I only weighed 90 to 95 pounds missed my life pregnant I weighed about 113 max didn’t even have stretch marks because I’m so tiny. Eight whatever I wanted my cholesterol was that of a baby even though I eat bad foods. But I grew up on canned goods and beef off of the farm that we knew what it was eating and how I was treated. Lab work is important no matter how healthy you are! There’s people that work out and ate the right things and still get cancer too so it is vital to do labs!
I hear ya. There is no free rides in life. Medications all have side effects and just cover the underlying condition. I am not anti victims thought especially D unless you are working outside all day.
Isn't it crazy the human race, bugs, reptiles, birds survived so long with out labs. The poor dinosaurs went extinct before labs :'( Puns aside. In reality...labs are a great way to monitor ur health ❤
Good information to get out there. Work as a hematology/ oncology infusion RN see a lot of people who are on TRT and arominase inhibitors who would benefit highly from donating preventing hemochromatosis, and congestive heart failure., or blood clot complications. Always enjoy your videos
@@willyhawkins6596 lol , just trying share some information. Based on your non compliance blaming medical system for your own issues , must be non educated Neanderthal , know it all.
@@willyhawkins6596 Nah, she's definitely correct. Depending on the dose of testosterone, not to mention yes many aromatase inhibitors to drop estrogen are prescribed. As a former bodybuilder and anabolics user and used to be on TRT, it definitely can. Nowadays, it's almost a given if your on TRT you should be donating. And it certainly doesn't hurt so I don't see why you have a problem with that statement. It can be many other factors weighing in, for sure, but believing it isn't a piece of the puzzle is dangerous... Just my 2c!
Zack Fitness Sorry but both of you appear to be misinformed with regards to TRT and its actual mechanism of action in the blood. Generally speaking there is almost zero reason for anyone to be taking an A.I. Unless they have breast cancer and even then it would be questionable E2 is not the problem suppressing it is. E2 is cardio/neuro protective and provides protection from the potential deleterious effects testosterone may have. Unless its for humanitarian purposes donating blood while taking testosterone in almost all cases is pointless unless someone is trying to crash their ferritin levels so they can feel like total $h!t. Testosterone in it of it self does not cause thick blood or Polycythemia Vera. The majority of the medical community has zero clue how hormones work or their effects on the body it's not even taught in medical school and just because someone has been an anabolic/TRT user doesn't mean they have the slightest clue about what they are talking about which is why so many users experience unnecessary side effects.
@@willyhawkins6596 haha ok man... Your right, my use doesn't make me an expert at all. But studying mechanisms of actions, endocrinology, and use of compounds for over 10 years gives me a better foundation than most. Your right, AI's are not necessary. Are you saying they are never deployed? I have countless clients that are prescribed them right now. Thick blood shouldn't happen, but I have many clients right now that absolutely need to... would you like to say my first hand experiences as working as a health and fitness and wellness professional is incorrect or invalid? I get your point, but I'm saying there's more to it than that. "TRT and its actual mechanism of action in the blood" is a generalization. And it's not about the TRT in the blood, it's about looking at the whole body as a concept and how the systems interplay. Have no interest in arguing with a grumpy goat ;) I bet if we talked in person rather than text we'd realize we probably don't disagree but such is the internet. So this is the last time I bother conversing in the comments. Lol cheers bud.
I wonder if the anticoagulant effects of the medieval practice of 'blood letting' and leeches had therapeutic effects? As always, excellent discussion. Thank you for bringing us these sometimes overlooked papers.
The answer is yes! As a matter fact in today’s world they’re still using leeches for blood letting and it cleans the boat. It’s no different than donating blood.
Your blood is thicker and darker after the jab. Lab work proves the difference. And consider this, if you are unjabbed but need blood, do you want someone’s been jabbed blood?
I shared this video with my mom. She said very interesting information and shared that drinking a glass of wine or a shot of good hard liquor with dinner will lower blood viscosity. People in the past used to drink with lunch and or dinner and had less strokes and or heart attacks. What do you think? Appreciate you and your work. Thank you Mike
I first became first interested in ferritin levels and longevity when I heard Dr. Mercola talking about it in his book Fat for Fuel. I found out my ferritin levels was pretty high and I started donating blood. I get my ferritin checked every year now as part of my annual physical and I usually donate twice a year to stay where I want to be. It's a win win since I'm type O and there is a high need for blood transfusions!
Hi from Russia, Mike from a fan of yours. Could you comment on that: As many blood specialists say; there’s also a short video of Stan Efferding (you Mike also commented on it), and as I understand the basics - high hemoglobin (hematocrit is the same thing/ just a ratio) is not a cause of blood viscosity at all. Hemoglobin is a part of erythrocytes. If the level of the last ones l is ok (not increased), everything is ok with your blood viscosity. Only If they (erythrocytes) are elevated along with platelets and leukocytes , these are signals to start worrying. Am I wrong ? Actually if only your hemoglobin is high it is a good thing; it’s not equal high blood viscosity. My hematocrit is 54 % and all the other markers are great (ferritin, platelets etc ; triglycerides are low, ha1c, insulin as well). Why should I be worried? The advice on blood donation is difficult to follow: high hemoglobin is a red flag for the them on accepting your blood
I crashed my Iron and Ferritin from donating blood too often (Every 8-12 weeks) Donating 1-2x/year may be fine but more then that you're running a high chance of crashing your ferritin. Getting your ferritin back up us a lengthy process. On top of it all things that rise your ferritin rise your Hemo and Crit. Over Donation can be very dangerous.
I donate blood every 2-3 months. My next one will show I have ANTIBODIES! Woo hoo! At 51, I'm glad I've gotten healthier these last 3 years. The rona didn't slow me down much. No shot for me!🥩💪
vast majority of blood donations being randomly tested are showing cough19 antibodies. upward of +90%. I would bet money that donations are not exclusive to people with or without the jab, or have caught and recovered from the cough but more likely a mixed bag of all of them. Further proving that the mandatory shots are nothing more than political weapon and the greater population is already immune, as indicated by the +99.7% survival rate.
I’m 51 years young. The first time I gave blood was about 5 years ago. Who likes needles? I don’t know anyone, and I don’t either but I told myself to get over it and go give blood. Since then I’ve given blood about once a year. I want to get back into giving on a more regular basis. I’ve been interested in blood viscosity and new blood generation for a while. Thanks for this video.
Just started donating blood again! I get super sweaty and light headed but hopefully that will go away after donating more, though I wish Red Cross still did the antibody tests
I had a high amount of iron and a higher than usual blood pressure of 142/76 last time I went in September. Before that, I hadn’t donated since one time in high school. I’m a fairly healthy young guy, weightlifting 5 days per week and spending a lot of time outside, not drinking very often and eating a mainly healthy and organic diet
Been donating blood from the past 14 years. Donated 38 times so far. I feel great almost all the time - but at my age of 32, I find it hard to pin point the benefits as I don't really perceive any of them. But my endurance is great, so is morning wood (both are cardio markers, if I'm not mistaken). Maybe I'll reap the benefits as I grow older. Blood markers are all good and although that can be attributed to diet and lifestyle, I feel blood donation is part of that good lifestyle. I try to donate once every 2 to 3 months. Thanks for the consistently great videos Mike, hope you & the family are keeping well. Love & respect from south of India.
Here I've been donating blood to practice "reasonable blood loss" in case of injury. I've been doing it right the whole time! I'll be honest, I like the sesame snaps the have there.
I donate whole blood regularly and believe in the benefits all way around. During the one time I did double red blood cell donation, it felt strange to me. Felt the same after though. Maybe if it was explained before hand better. Maybe it was just the visual (blood out and then back in) or just something different than my regular. Oh well. Wish they had bbq rib eye after vs sugary carbohydrate snacks. Haha. Maybe I'll bring my own next time.
Yes pls talk more about this. I have friends who have symptoms that i told them its related to blood circulation, formation of RBC's, and told them to walk , avoid processed food and getting to bed early at 9:30/10pm. And most of them are guilty of breaking all of the above.
This is a niche question, but you got me thinking: many pregnant women take low dose aspirin to thin the blood and prevent miscarriage. Are there studies about blood viscosity in pregnancy? Specifically about if pregnancy is itself a condition of thicker blood, or if there are risk factors that cause it? How it relates to pregnancy outcome? Thank you for your work here, and the moderate, science-backed content.
I have donated blood about 110 within last 25 years . Full blood donation is something in the distant past, now they seek components only from me. Hemoglobin is usuall in 140s for me. I had covid 1 year ago, mild for a week or some. Temperature pretty much didn't go above normal +37C for me. Couple months ago the antibody test show level 98 (norm is 50 units).
@@annaburns5382 Did you take it first thing in morning on empty stomach? If not it becomes just a digestive enzyme. It lowered my bp both scores 10 points each in just 2 weeks--so rotorootering out the vessels and tubes is one of the benefits. But must be on completely empty stomach and then no food or drink for 20 min.
@@bjwalton48 many places sell it under various names. Serrazyme, serrapeptidase, serrapeptase. I buy from Swansons, cheap. 40k to start then go down to 20k units. If you start bruising easily is how to know taking too much, just dial it back a notch. It really helps me deal with fatigue I feel if have to be exposed to groups of vexed persons. I think it "eats" whatever nastinesses they are shedding. Consider it essential to my survival at this point.
I've recently done labs and my doctor flagged for high red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. My wife is a RN. She's said to me, "you have thick blood"... I was surprised to see this video come up. My cholesterol has always been boarder line. That has recently ticked up. 37yrs old, never gave blood. I also have low IGa. My IGa is 5. I've known about that my entire life. Also have known there is nothing you can do for that. My wife was surprised I haven't been more sick. Like frequency. I'd donate blood but if I have low IGa is it worth it? I know if I received a transfusion I'd be in serious trouble because the higher igA would cause a severe allergic reaction. Learning more and more as the years go by. What if I did regular prp would that suffice? Or is that not enough blood taken? I've never done prp only heard about it
wow ..terrific video. I've resumed donating blood again. Fasting has helped with my hypertension and I'm going to resume blood donating to my routine . I wasn't aware of the health benefits of donating. thanks for the informative video.
Isnt thick blood can be prevented by drinking enough water? Like 4-6% of body weigh daily? Because blood is just a water with concentration of nutrients, viruses, antibodies, etc. Also I know that spleen cleanses body of old erythrocytes, and thats why hot-warm water is best. Im not scientists but I done quite a lot of research on internet.
Dehydration can temporarily elevate hematocrit. Blood tests should done when adequately hydrated. People who are well hydrated can still have viscous blood.
I completely agree. My LDL is 125 over max average. My HDL is on the high side of normal. My cardiologist told me my arteries are as clean as a teenager's. I'm 67. Water is a blood thinner. I take Nattokinese also.
Love the t-shirt. Hate needles. Haven't given blood for a while. Sounds like I need to get back in the habit. Now working on a Keto diet and back down below 180 lbs for the first time in a decade or so. Body set point was always around the 180 lbs. So pretty happy about where I am now. Just need to get back to better exercising.
I was donating every 3 months I am a bodybuilder and its very important especially if you take TrT I got covid about year ago I forgot to donate for 8 months. Swelling started in my right leg looked up symptoms went to a vein specialist ,found a 2 and half foot long Dvt I have been on my couch last 2 month's on eliquis now finally my leg is almost back to normal no more swelling but veins slightly pump. If I would have kept on my donations I feel this would never happened to me. I hope this helps others. I may have lost almost all my mass but im alive! I will get my body back because I am alive!
I donate whole blood six times a year (once every 56 days to be exact). In Canada, every donation is approx 500mL (bag + test tubes). I initially started to keep my sky-rocketing iron level in check. Now I just do it out of habit and to mimic women's menstruation. There's a reason pre-menaupasal women are fairly healthy compared to dudes of same age.
I've always heard donating blood is like getting an oil change. Thanks for the information. Just moved and my old doc never talked to me about my blood work. Time to get new lab work and start donating blood again.
I have only donated blood once and have had pain and swelling at the site since. It has lessened over the years, but still happens occasionally. I am afraid to donate again due to this, as it was somewhat debilitating for years after.
Hey, I’m with you. I have donated 36 times. I would only do it if they stick me well. One time they didn’t. I didn’t return for a long time. Gave this past Friday. I once tried giving apheresis which is two needles, one each arm & last 2-3 hours. Didn’t have a good experience with that. Won’t do that again. When you try again. Ask for their top sticker cause you have had issues in past. They won’t give you a rookie then.
Ground (Earthing) yourself instead then. Grounding yourself will normalize your blood viscosity, plus it will eliminate inflammation. It's the missing link. Sleep grounded and you'll be a new person.
38yrs old, B neg blood, I do it at least twice a year because I also have high iron blood, hangovers are like blood poisoning but healing is like wolverine and aging is slow.
Hospital nurses will ask how much water a patient has drunk when they come in for CV events. Dehydration is a risk for the older people as their thirst prompts are not so reliable.
@@mannyradzky493 Thanks for the reminder to do that! I used to check conflicts of interest but should really vet them more because I've learned some freaky stuff has been going on in the science community!
When the attendants at the blood donor clinic thank me, I say, “No. thank you for taking it out of me so that I can make some fresh stuff”. I selfishly donate just for my body 😆
Ikr, feel like I’m a bad person cause It’s more about my health that I donate. And they always say “thank you” like I’m a saint for saving other people.
The average lifespan of a RBC is 3 months, you think you only donate ‘old’ stuff? If you got thick blood theres an underlying cause for it that you should adress instead Of flushing out all kinds of usefull contents that are inside your blood
Spectacular presentation of data. Blood donation is highly important to those on TRT which elevates blood viscosity- a side effect often overlooked by some “longevity” docs.
I have diabetes, pretty well controlled. One side effect is a finger stick once a day, so I have an informal understanding of my blood viscosity. My blood viscosity is higher in the winter, probably because I'm less thirsty. I intend to get on top of that. I can't give blood because my hemocrit is a little low. I'm surprised women's risk doesn't match men's after menopause. Thanks for the video-- a doctor recommended staying hydrated to help against stroke, and it seemed very reasonable.
I did my labs 5 days ago. My doctor noted I had mild anemia ‘by the book’ with an RBC of 4.52, Hemoglobin of 13.6 and Hemotcrot of 41,2. My sodium was low and I’m easily fixing that. I don’t plan to donate blood but is it fair to say that my ‘low’ numbers might in fact be perfectly fine? Been doing low/no carb for a few months. I’m a sleep hawk. I do Jiu Jitsu and softball 3-4 times a week
![F.HERO Ft. JSPKK x ลำไย ไหทองคำ x M-PEE - ไม่สนิทบิดหมด (Thai Riders Anthem) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kPJZ0UihBfk/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been donating for years. The main reason is because, unlike money, I know where it goes: to help someone. You can't get it anywhere else but from a donation. I am O+, and have donated about 10 gallons. I am female and 62, no meds, knock on wood, healthy. I am very active and try to eat well and cook all the time. This is great news, didn't know there were other benefits besides helping others.
God bless.
I am O+ too.
Good for u!
God bless 🙏
My Dad gave blood... had his 50 gallon pin. He passed at 103.5 and lived a healthy life of mountain climbing, bicycling for weeks in France, bicycled to work etc.
I heard this long ago and cholesterol levels don't clog arteries it's inflammation. Cholesterol only repairs the damage to the arterial walls.
👍
I'm interested to know what may cause the arterial inflammation in the first place?
@@PaulChapman1bz shitty diet, seed oils, processed unnecessary grains and flour. Eat clean, avoid processed crap and DO NOT EAT SUGAR. It’s poison.
@@danielmcnulty8736 I'm craving sugar, i.e. desserts, ice cream, cookies, pies and cakes. I've eaten sweets my entire life.
@@michaelb41 stop it. People quit smoking after smoking for 30 years. There’s no argument against it. Everyone recognizes that it is terrible for your health. Same with sugar. Just because you spent your life eating cookies and ice cream doesn’t mean you should keep doing it.
I made my husband donate blood due to his high iron levels and high cholesterol!
That and over the counter supplements got his cholesterol down from 262 to 174
I believe donating blood has many benefits!
What supplements, if I may ask? My doctor wants me on statins since recently turning 50 because of high cholesterol but I am trying to avoid it as I already take Synthroid for hypothyroidism.
@@banjobanjo-xn7lq I don’t remember all of them, but red rice yeast, niacin, apple pectin and garlic were some of them!
I think the donating blood had the biggest impact since the new blood your body is building has lesser cholesterol!
Also we changed his diet to fish, fruit and veggies mostly!
Carbs were oats and brown rice!
so will an alkaline diet...
262 is healthier than 174. See: Zoe Harcombe
@@claudiaaquino7238 Red yeast rice extract naturally contains lovastatin, so it's a statin drug. Statin drugs are known to be deadly. See: Zoe Harcombe.
I started donating blood last year for the first time because I wanted to know if I had covid antibodies. What I discovered was this was not painful and very gratifying that I was helping someone. I have continued to donate and thought that it had to be good for you as it would cause your body to work to replace what you donated. I just donated and am having surgery in February and think this donation was an excellent thing to do. I will continue to give regularly! Excellent video!
While I was in college I had a hypothesis that donating blood as often as possible would increase the overall health of your blood by increasing the turnover of blood cells. Getting rid of old cells causing the body to make new ones to replace the ones that are lost. I would love to conduct a study that tests this idea!
Cupping!! Ancient remedy
Low iron is the only drawback
Ah ha, “modern bloodletting”
What if somebody isn't allowed to donate blood?
@@PatrickJewellTheGreat bloodletting? Was a theory which had truth..
Problem, was, medicine wasnt SANITARY then
Great content, Mike! I’m 57 and have donated over 90 units in my lifetime. Usually donate 3-4 times per year but not before a 5k 😬 Had ER doc tell me another benefit is that a donation flushes heavy metals out of the body, which tend to settle in the organs. I also had COV and it was super mild. My wife had severe COV and her docs kept telling her about her “sticky blood”
You need to look into grounding (Earthing). It normalizes the blood by thinning it, therefore getting blood into the cells easier which increases cell cleansing and repair. Sleeping grounded is best and grounding throughout the day is the best. Checkout the work by Clint Ober for more on the subject.
My blood has felt thick since having cov thanks for the reference!
How can I have forgotten this? It’s more than important information. It’s vital. Especially for men! Annual blood testing and donating blood is very good and important…👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
It's huge! Thanks for the note :-)
Remember back when we were hunter gatherers we would lose more blood due to parasites (which we don't have anymore) and injuries. It is unheard of for premenopausal women to have heart blockages, because they "donate" blood every 28 days.
@@Highintensityhealth Hey Mike, I know you mentioned that donating blood once or twice a year is helpful. How much more frequently can you donate safely to maximize the benefits, without doing yourself harm?
What if they won’t take your blood donation for any reason, then what should men do?
@@Highintensityhealth Hey Mike, So I donated blood first time about 6 months ago. I was prepared to start doing it at least twice a year. Everything was going great until the last couple of minutes. Got so dizzy, light headed , nauseous upset stomach. Didn't feel good for at least a week later. Now I'm hesitant. Any suggestions? Again everything was great just until I was almost done. It really did feel like a week before I felt better.
I used to donate platelets regularly, but moved to an area where it's not offered 10 yrs ago. There have been several times these past 10 yrs I've thought I'd feel so much better if I could donate blood. Listening to you I researched and a brand new donating center has been opened locally. I'll call Monday to schedule an appointment. Excited & grateful for your speaking in this subject.
My nephew who works an ER and ICU nurse in Qatar said most of the patients who died from Covid-19 had very thick blood. They couldn't even insert a Central Line in one of the patients because the blood vessels were so clogged up
Local 32y/o female doctor just died of a pulmonary embolism. My guess is the magic serum that was required for her work. How many people would survive if monitored after said treatment?
Blood donating 2-3 times a year crashed my ferritin levels.
I felt like absolute garbage!
Took months to get levels back to mid normal.
Good hydration is key to lowering hematocrit
Yes! Finally- a commenter who understands that hematocrit is just a snapshot in time of hydration- a ratio. It changes all throughout the day, based on hydration. Bloodletting and crashing your ferritin levels is not the way to go. Edit- now, if platelets are also high, there could actually be issues. But hematocrit, RBC and hemoglobin alone? Nah, no worries. Just drink more water.
Drink lots of water before donating
@@4funner66 Really glad I came across your post. Mind telling me where I can find more information that correlates with yours? Haven't found much online other than the normal fear mongering info. Thanks
I have been donating blood for 40 years. Always try to encourage my husband to do so too.
What has been known for many years now, and I find most interesting, is that women’s risk of heart disease increases not long after they go through menopause and cease their monthly bleeding. I read some years ago, a possible correlation between iron intake and cardiovascular disease, and the recommendation was to avoid taking extra iron if you were a male or post menopausal woman … then we look and see how many products are “fortified with iron” 🤔 🧐 … it’s like “they” are trying to make us sick so they can heal is with “their” drugs 🤨
Yes I found this out just after going through menopause. I now donate blood about every 10 weeks. I go to a research place -- they pay me. You can also donate white blood cells and get paid more than whole blood.
And of course eating a lot of meat increases iron to possibly harmful levels. Vegans sometimes swing too far the other way and can have a risk of low iron.
Now this is EXTREMELY interesting. This makes a lot of sense.
@@CelineNoyce it’s wonderful that you donate blood. I’ve been donating to Red Cross Blood Drives for years now … I’ve been denied a few times over the years but still I’ve managed to give over 7 gallons worth of whole blood 🩸
@@stargazerbird … good points about eating red meats and the iron you consume when eating it. Fortunately for non vegans, we can get enough protein from chicken and fish and avoid the extra iron.
Great video! I'm 65 and have been on TRT for 5 years. My doctor said I had thick blood and recommended I give blood often. I have followed her advice... Thx again for the great video!
For people that can’t donate blood, a study was done on earthing that showed it prevents blood cells from sticking together.
Ya. Being on earth has helped me.
zero reputable studies on earthing doing anything
I'm 65 and have given blood 59 times in my life. It is so easy and helps numerous people with 1 donation.
This a very useful conversation. 10 months ago I was diagnosed with high blood iron (ferritin)/hemochromatosis. A serious side effect is high blood viscosity. I had phlebotomies every two weeks for 7 months. That combined with intermittent fasting led to normal blood iron, hemoglobin, and blood viscosity… not to mention 50 lbs of weight loss. I am grateful that my family physician ID’d the problem. At 60+, I am now close to my college weight, have better liver function, and staved off pre-diabetes. I appreciate the site’s ongoing conversations related to intermittent fasting, eliminating processed foods, and now the current topic. It has made a big difference in my life. My goal is to make these changes permanent.
what are the numbers. going through this but im 25? My levels are just over the normal very close to the normal range
@@noobiedooby26 My initial ferritin levels were 660 (forgot the units). After phlebotomies and IF, 50. Over the last two years, I had to have one phlebotomy (donated blood). Last doctors visit, I was at a ferritin level of 45. Diet-wise, I cut out all processed carbs, increased protein intake, focused on colorful veggies and leafy greens. Also have been pretty consistent about weightlifting plus light cardio. These changes were an absolute game-changer for me. Insulin resistance can also contribute to these problems. Again, I hope to make these changes permanent for me. IF has proven very effective and easy to stick to. Best of luck.
In 2017 I got a blood clot in my leg which broke off and went to my lungs. Also caused damage to my heart. I was able to reverse the heart damage. I was told after they checked “everything” that it was unprovoked. Now just recently my labs came back with high iron. I started digging through past records after watching this video and I now know why I got a blood clot. And I have been told over the years I have “thick” blood. And not a single doctor was concerned about it. I am giving blood this weekend.
This is probably one of the most important videos I have seen regarding a link to covid severity of symptoms and how to minimize them. I'm 52, and I cut my finger the other day. I was troubled by how thick my blood felt and how quickly it stopped coming out of the cut. This explains it as I'm also menopausal. Many thanks for such important information!
Wow I had thought the exact same thing when my hands have gotten cut or it was my “incredible superpower”
I work for a health system and they regularly have blood drives. It's great because it fits right into our work day.
I donated blood about 6 months ago for someone needing blood after a car accident. Had I not done that, I wouldn't have been informed that I had the C19 antibodies, so I had natural immunity. Yeah, I'm all about blood donation for men!
I give blood 2 or 3 X per year. I take 2 water bottles, about 1.5 L, put salt and electrolytes in the water and drink all of it while donating. It helps prevent getting dizzy for me
My Father was very rarely ill but passed at 53 yrs of a massive stroke (albeit 47 yrs ago now). Because of this I regularly eat leeks, garlic and onions to help 'thin' the blood. I have never given blood but through research know it helps prolongs good health and longevity.
@@moheebsaad1918 which toxic substances do you refer to?
@@moheebsaad1918 what are you talking about
@@moheebsaad1918 I want to know too!
My guess is you are referring to the bulletproof book. But, I wouldn't call that toxic, just psychoactive.
@@moheebsaad1918 Yes. Doctor Gundry talks about this.
I am currently 9 yrs ahead of my fabulous dad...who ate natural, home cooked stuff, had regular exercise but who also had 7 yrs of a really rough time in the war...came home, married a fabulous women....had 5 kids and then had to look after us and my Mother who was terribly ill. Natural nutrition and synergistic combinations are what still has me here. We have to look at our genetic predisposition...and then epigenetically over ride this. I wish you well in the world without garlic! But fair do's if you are over 100yrs as your text suggests....I salute you!!
Been donating for the last year! I didn’t realize that it’s beneficial to donate blood!!
Men, and postmenopausal women.
I've seen an 85 y.o. woman donate blood with her son
It is so beneficial. Even for cancer. You know how I figured it out.. every supplement that seemed to work for cancer -- turmeric, IP6, thinned the blood. That is how I started looking into it. Did you know the American Diabetic Association recommends an aspirin daily for diabetics? Thick blood.
As much as possible i donate whole blood every three months. This coming December will be my 30th times... Thanks for this video this will help me encourage my friends to donate blood...
My rheumatologist put me on heparin, a common blood thinner for Myalgic Encephalitis back in 2007. I was completely bedridden when I started that treatment and it raised my level of functionally significantly. They called this doctor a quack at the time. My regular family physician questioned me going to him although he was offering zero treatment for my illness.
Sounds like you actually had mast cell activation syndrome pain. Heparin receptors helped it. Warfarin and lovenox did the same for me BEFORE I was finally diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome and genetic hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome collagen disorder.
@@DeniseTG13 I really appreciate your reply. This is very interesting. I read a bit of the research and don't have most of the symptoms. Just the flu like body aches and severe fatigue, none of the allergy type symptoms.
Bloodletting! It's back in style. Makes sense. A pre-med student told me about this 20 years ago.
In UK live football matches being stopped while on television as medical teams dealing with people having heart attacks in the crowds. Never seen anything like it.
I started taking iron supplements about 5 years ago my blood pressure has been up sinse then. For years the FDA has been telling us to get enough iron in diet. This video hits home for me. Thanks for the video. Now I always read the label on anything I eat I never eat anything with high iron.
I just Donated Blood because of this video. Thanks!
I think something big is being overlooked in this conversation regarding the assumptions being drawn between blood viscosity and health outcomes from infection in these studies.
That omission is “acute phase reactants.” Acute phase reactants are a set of chemicals whose levels rise during times of physiologic stress. (Some acute phase reactants lower during times of stress but for simplicity I’ll say rise/increase)
Infection is one of the common causes for an increase in acute phase reactants. In general, the acute phase reactants respond by making the blood more viscous. Some of the acute phase reactants are also directly part of the blood clotting cascade.
Anyhow, the reason I bring all of this up is because the more severe the infection, the greater the increase in acute phase reactants. The greater the increase in acute phase reactants, the more viscous your blood will be. Viscous blood is a result of severe infection, not the cause. Death and poor health outcomes are also a result of severe infection. Your viscous blood isn’t what caused you to die, it is a symptom of severe infection. Severe infection is what caused you to die, not the thick blood.
I really don’t think we should start leeching our blood without more comprehensive studies showing that blood donation directly improves general health and all cause mortality.
We are already deficient enough in micronutrients compared to our ancestors
I wish I could upvote this more. Thank you for making this important point.
Very important comment!
I'm commenting so this gets upvoted.
Excellent analysis. I like the thumbnail before your name. Where from?
Thank you all 🤝
I use sassafras tea during the summer to thin blood. In winter it will make you cold. 1 heaping tablespoon of cut root to a gallon of water brought to a boil, then simmered for no more than an hour. I had to go to ER about 10 years ago and the nurses kept looking at the vials of my blood and turning them upside down. Finally one asked, "You're not on blood thinners?" NOPE. I didn't bother to tell them about the sassafras. Nattokinase from the fermented Japanese food natto also thins blood. In fall and winter I use triple strength Nattokinase from Swanson. It is potency 6750FU, highest one on the market. It is well researched as a blood thinner that also contains K2 that should be paired with D3. I can't donate blood as I deal with leukemia.
I'm so glad to see this video, as it validates what I've been telling my unlistening doctors for years. Last time I gave blood was in 1988, when I passed out from dehydration. My blood was so thick, it took two hours of squeezing a rubber ball in my fist to only get a half pint. They said it was partially from dehydration, but also my blood was very viscous. Now I am one of those 60 year olds with thrombosis and leg clotting and eating aspirin. Feh! I also have an overabundance of platelets, maybe I should donate those, if possible.
How many blood clots have you had in your life so far ?
@@chetanrs It seems as if your question is trolling, rather than curiosity? What is the reason for your question on my pretty specific comment on the video?
@@KJensenStudioI wouldn't be trolling someone who's had the same condition as mine -- blood clots and thick blood; that is why my question was specific. I have had two blood clots in the past ten years. I have only recently gotten to know how dangerous thick blood is, so I am curious to know how you have managed yourself.
I have been donating blood since 2020. And I have been hydrating a lot which seems to have an effect on hemoglobin and hct.
@@chetanrs Ah, alright then. I was concerned, sorry. There are so many trolls around.
Earlier this year, both my legs were pretty solid all up the main veins to my torso, so I was put upon Eliquis (Apixoban?) for 4 months twice a day. When that healthcare-sponsored prescription ran out, they told me to just take low dose aspirin at night, drink plenty of water, take magnesium in the evening. I still have this condition, as I can feel it, and they did an ultrasound, but they said there's nothing more they can do, without prescribing Eliquis for the rest of my life. The insurance won't pay any more for it, so that is not happening, as it's $700. a month now. Insanity. But, I'm keeping it at bay; low salt, low cholesterol, aspirin, yoga, magnesium, vitamin E. Your hydrating is good, blood donating (how??) is good too, if you can the stuff to come out. I'd never had blood clots until now, in spite of thick blood, so I am going to lay this at the feet of the lockdowns and being sedentary for so long. Enjoy your life to the fullest, don't hold onto grudges, and best of luck to you.
Ive been looking into donating blood for the past few weeks and Im so happy this video was released. So much great info. Thank you.
I have 2 copies of the H63D variant in the HFE gene. According to 23andMe "people with this result are not likely at risk of developing iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis". I have high iron levels and I do not eat red meat or other iron rich foods. I also have low ferritin levels. This tells me I have an excess iron in my blood stream.
Most blood donation places in my area, Portland, OR, do not draw your blood if you have high iron levels.
You CAN get a doctors note that recommends phlebotomy as a treatment. However, I do not technically have hereditary hemochromatosis (just elevated iron levels and I have no idea why) and I have shitty medicaid coverage - which means my doctor is booked 3 months out.
Being on TRT it has been recommended that I do donate blood once a quarter. I keep forgetting...but this was a great reminder. I will make an appointment. 🤙🏼
I’m on TRT, my Blood pressure has gone up a little this past year. Would it help with BP you think?
@@McNastySlam cut your fat intake bro! Keep it under 10g a day if you want to be lean like me.
You and a few others have helped change my health. Thank you, sincerely.
Thank you. I find information on the blood fascinating. Myself, husband, and our two young adults (23 & 21 yrs) just had extensive blood work completed. This discussion on blood viscosity furthered my reasonings on pushing them all to do blood work. 👍🏻
did they see that with the blood work?
Tim Ferriss talked about this on The View. Jan 4, 2011. I distinctly remember Barbara was skeptical of him and he won her over with the blood donation recommendation.
Cool! I learned it from Ralph Holsworth DO back in 2011 , did a podcast with him in 2014
th-cam.com/video/EpgvG7uSHE0/w-d-xo.html
@@Highintensityhealth Who could have imagined then the post-pandemic health benefits of something like this. Thank you for reminding me of it.
My sister (60 but very active) who has varicose veins- developed clots -one 12 inch in thigh- within 2 weeks (Sept 2021)after 2nd Pf v. Her hemotologist finding no other causes- attributed to v. He also mentioned seeing others with similar clots. Luckily she was helped with blood thinners & the 12 in clot and the now dead vein will both be absorbed by her body. As of yesterday- I learned that she now has a breakthrough case of covid...so hopefully the blood thinners will have a protective factor.
Thanks for telling people .I think I caught it from V people.
My heart feels like it’s pumping peanut butter just thinking about this
Maybe its cuz Im half drunk but I lol'd at this..
Find a friend with jelly in their veins.
Oh deaer
glub, glub. 😒
My husband has this issue, high iron and thick blood.
He donates blood every couple months.
It’s interesting how much more energy he has right after. Thank you for covering this.
God bless you, Mike! You are a lifeline!
Thank you! I am currently a blood donor. Also this is very good information
Before going to a Functional Medicine doctor, I had never heard of ferritin. Now, I donate blood 2x a year. I'm O-Negative and I wish I know this years ago!
Great information. I consider myself to be more knowledgeable in health physiology than most people but your channel continues to teach me more and more. Thank you!
Will donate some of my PureBlood soon
I know it’s needed
I donate blood every 8 weeks. I was diagnosed with hemochromatosis, which is a hereditary condition that increases my iron absorption. When I first started giving blood, my blood was super thick and had a very dark color. They had to pull the blood out of my veins because it would clog the tube it was so thick. I can't imagine how hard my heart was having to work to pump that sludge. My ferritin level was north of 1500. Now all my levels are normal and I feel good about donating. They will occasionally send me an email when they used my blood to save someones life. Win win all around.
Thanks for the comment David, a lot of similarities with me. Approximately how long did it take for the donations to start changing your blood viscosity?
@@IH8CA One year of donating either weekly or biweekly and my numbers were normal. I have not had my viscosity measured, but when I donate now, it takes about 10 minutes and surprise how quickly I fill the bag.
@@david01879 Thank you so much for the reply. I take it you do therapeutic bloodletting (or whatever it's called) and not a standard Red Cross or equivalent blood donation? I'm only allowed to donate every 6 weeks I believe through Red Cross.
@@IH8CA Once my numbers were normal, I donated through Vitalant. Before the I went to a cancer infusion center and they just threw the blood away.
@@david01879 OK great, thank you!
I'm 40 and I've never seen a doctor. I have never taken medications of any type, not even asprin or multivitamins. I eat whole foods and organs, I also squat and deadlift, and do a full body exercise 5 days a week, and have less than 5% body fat. So my question is if the average person sees a doctor every year, and those same people most likely have some sort of a prescription, and those same people can't even deadlift 300 pounds which isn't a lot but reasonable, than why see a doctor in the first place when the doctor will probably tell you to take some shit that will completely ruin your health.
Don't go to a doctor then, go to Ulta labs and get some tests. There are ton of things that can be wrong with you with zero symptoms.
I think 300 pounds is a little horrible to put as we should all be able to lift because I only weigh about 112 pounds in my 40s and I lift weights. I think it’s great that you lift 300 pounds but I wouldn’t say that’s actually a way to stay healthy either and the many people that put too much strain in their body is actually not too healthy. I have some people that live to be 100 and my family they eat healthy whole foods they had some consumption of boxed foods but nothing like today didn’t eat out that was very rare and walked that’s it the only exercise with walking went to the doctors many of my family members would not take vaccinations though and they didn’t take they took drugs but not tons of them
@@CelineNoyce true!!! I had Graves’ disease and had no idea and I was asymptomatic my eyes weren’t bulging out like most people I’ve been thin all my life and I started gaining weight I only weighed 90 to 95 pounds missed my life pregnant I weighed about 113 max didn’t even have stretch marks because I’m so tiny. Eight whatever I wanted my cholesterol was that of a baby even though I eat bad foods. But I grew up on canned goods and beef off of the farm that we knew what it was eating and how I was treated. Lab work is important no matter how healthy you are! There’s people that work out and ate the right things and still get cancer too so it is vital to do labs!
I hear ya. There is no free rides in life. Medications all have side effects and just cover the underlying condition. I am not anti victims thought especially D unless you are working outside all day.
Isn't it crazy the human race, bugs, reptiles, birds survived so long with out labs. The poor dinosaurs went extinct before labs :'(
Puns aside. In reality...labs are a great way to monitor ur health ❤
Getting the shot gives cardiovascular episodes
True, the vax is causing serious thromboplastic issues.
Yeah I've heard of a lot of labaiblogaitics from the shot
Not as much as getting covid. By a long way.
@@stargazerbird lol
@@stargazerbird everyone gets covid regardless of vax status
Thank you. One of the most important health tips. And especially in COVID pandemic. I must say a sure life saver.
Good information to get out there. Work as a hematology/ oncology infusion RN see a lot of people who are on TRT and arominase inhibitors who would benefit highly from donating preventing hemochromatosis, and congestive heart failure., or blood clot complications. Always enjoy your videos
Bullshit! Your misinformed about TRT and most likely inept in your duties like most in the medical community " practicing " medicine.
@@willyhawkins6596 lol , just trying share some information. Based on your non compliance blaming medical system for your own issues , must be non educated Neanderthal , know it all.
@@willyhawkins6596 Nah, she's definitely correct. Depending on the dose of testosterone, not to mention yes many aromatase inhibitors to drop estrogen are prescribed. As a former bodybuilder and anabolics user and used to be on TRT, it definitely can. Nowadays, it's almost a given if your on TRT you should be donating. And it certainly doesn't hurt so I don't see why you have a problem with that statement. It can be many other factors weighing in, for sure, but believing it isn't a piece of the puzzle is dangerous... Just my 2c!
Zack Fitness Sorry but both of you appear to be misinformed with regards to TRT and its actual mechanism of action in the blood. Generally speaking there is almost zero reason for anyone to be taking an A.I. Unless they have breast cancer and even then it would be questionable E2 is not the problem suppressing it is. E2 is cardio/neuro protective and provides protection from the potential deleterious effects testosterone may have. Unless its for humanitarian purposes donating blood while taking testosterone in almost all cases is pointless unless someone is trying to crash their ferritin levels so they can feel like total $h!t. Testosterone in it of it self does not cause thick blood or Polycythemia Vera. The majority of the medical community has zero clue how hormones work or their effects on the body it's not even taught in medical school and just because someone has been an anabolic/TRT user doesn't mean they have the slightest clue about what they are talking about which is why so many users experience unnecessary side effects.
@@willyhawkins6596 haha ok man... Your right, my use doesn't make me an expert at all. But studying mechanisms of actions, endocrinology, and use of compounds for over 10 years gives me a better foundation than most. Your right, AI's are not necessary. Are you saying they are never deployed? I have countless clients that are prescribed them right now. Thick blood shouldn't happen, but I have many clients right now that absolutely need to... would you like to say my first hand experiences as working as a health and fitness and wellness professional is incorrect or invalid? I get your point, but I'm saying there's more to it than that. "TRT and its actual mechanism of action in the blood" is a generalization. And it's not about the TRT in the blood, it's about looking at the whole body as a concept and how the systems interplay. Have no interest in arguing with a grumpy goat ;) I bet if we talked in person rather than text we'd realize we probably don't disagree but such is the internet. So this is the last time I bother conversing in the comments. Lol cheers bud.
Ty for the reminder, Mike. Just booked an appointment for donating blood👍😊
I wonder if the anticoagulant effects of the medieval practice of 'blood letting' and leeches had therapeutic effects?
As always, excellent discussion. Thank you for bringing us these sometimes overlooked papers.
The answer is yes! As a matter fact in today’s world they’re still using leeches for blood letting and it cleans the boat. It’s no different than donating blood.
Love the part about what can be contributing to the increase in viscosity. Not just infections, but overall. Could help improve health in general 🙌
Your blood is thicker and darker after the jab. Lab work proves the difference. And consider this, if you are unjabbed but need blood, do you want someone’s been jabbed blood?
I shared this video with my mom. She said very interesting information and shared that drinking a glass of wine or a shot of good hard liquor with dinner will lower blood viscosity. People in the past used to drink with lunch and or dinner and had less strokes and or heart attacks.
What do you think?
Appreciate you and your work.
Thank you Mike
Cayenne pepper also thins blood.
I first became first interested in ferritin levels and longevity when I heard Dr. Mercola talking about it in his book Fat for Fuel. I found out my ferritin levels was pretty high and I started donating blood. I get my ferritin checked every year now as part of my annual physical and I usually donate twice a year to stay where I want to be. It's a win win since I'm type O and there is a high need for blood transfusions!
Same here. I learned this from Mercola. Too bad they are censoring him.
Hi from Russia, Mike from a fan of yours. Could you comment on that:
As many blood specialists say; there’s also a short video of Stan Efferding (you Mike also commented on it), and as I understand the basics - high hemoglobin (hematocrit is the same thing/ just a ratio) is not a cause of blood viscosity at all.
Hemoglobin is a part of erythrocytes. If the level of the last ones l is ok (not increased), everything is ok with your blood viscosity. Only If they (erythrocytes) are elevated along with platelets and leukocytes , these are signals to start worrying. Am I wrong ?
Actually if only your hemoglobin is high it is a good thing; it’s not equal high blood viscosity.
My hematocrit is 54 % and all the other markers are great (ferritin, platelets etc ; triglycerides are low, ha1c, insulin as well). Why should I be worried?
The advice on blood donation is difficult to follow: high hemoglobin is a red flag for the them on accepting your blood
I crashed my Iron and Ferritin from donating blood too often (Every 8-12 weeks) Donating 1-2x/year may be fine but more then that you're running a high chance of crashing your ferritin. Getting your ferritin back up us a lengthy process. On top of it all things that rise your ferritin rise your Hemo and Crit. Over Donation can be very dangerous.
Great stuff as usual Mike, keep it up! BTW, I have the matching hat to your shirt 👍
Regular donor,my hemoglobin runs high. Thank you for what you do and share.
I donate blood every 2-3 months. My next one will show I have ANTIBODIES! Woo hoo! At 51, I'm glad I've gotten healthier these last 3 years. The rona didn't slow me down much. No shot for me!🥩💪
Great stuff buddy. Me too similar story.
vast majority of blood donations being randomly tested are showing cough19 antibodies. upward of +90%. I would bet money that donations are not exclusive to people with or without the jab, or have caught and recovered from the cough but more likely a mixed bag of all of them. Further proving that the mandatory shots are nothing more than political weapon and the greater population is already immune, as indicated by the +99.7% survival rate.
Me too . No shot . Beat covid .
I’m 51 years young. The first time I gave blood was about 5 years ago. Who likes needles? I don’t know anyone, and I don’t either but I told myself to get over it and go give blood. Since then I’ve given blood about once a year. I want to get back into giving on a more regular basis. I’ve been interested in blood viscosity and new blood generation for a while. Thanks for this video.
Just started donating blood again! I get super sweaty and light headed but hopefully that will go away after donating more, though I wish Red Cross still did the antibody tests
Just make sure to supplement with B vitamins and iron so you don't become anemic.
If you're lightheaded etc.... probably slow down on the frequency...
I had a high amount of iron and a higher than usual blood pressure of 142/76 last time I went in September. Before that, I hadn’t donated since one time in high school. I’m a fairly healthy young guy, weightlifting 5 days per week and spending a lot of time outside, not drinking very often and eating a mainly healthy and organic diet
Just make sure you eat a good meal a couple of hours before going
Drink water before you donate blood start 3 hours before your appointment and drink water afterwards.
Been donating blood from the past 14 years. Donated 38 times so far. I feel great almost all the time - but at my age of 32, I find it hard to pin point the benefits as I don't really perceive any of them. But my endurance is great, so is morning wood (both are cardio markers, if I'm not mistaken). Maybe I'll reap the benefits as I grow older. Blood markers are all good and although that can be attributed to diet and lifestyle, I feel blood donation is part of that good lifestyle. I try to donate once every 2 to 3 months.
Thanks for the consistently great videos Mike, hope you & the family are keeping well. Love & respect from south of India.
So no morning wood is a bad thing ? I didn’t know.
Here I've been donating blood to practice "reasonable blood loss" in case of injury. I've been doing it right the whole time! I'll be honest, I like the sesame snaps the have there.
Fluid dynamics are beautiful.
How come no one talks about “double red blood cell” donations? So much better for you overall and highly needed by hospitals.
I donate whole blood regularly and believe in the benefits all way around. During the one time I did double red blood cell donation, it felt strange to me. Felt the same after though. Maybe if it was explained before hand better. Maybe it was just the visual (blood out and then back in) or just something different than my regular. Oh well. Wish they had bbq rib eye after vs sugary carbohydrate snacks. Haha. Maybe I'll bring my own next time.
Doesn't it take 2 hours or so?
@@Highintensityhealth the 2 hour one is when donating plasma. Double rbc is like 20-25 minutes.**edit** meant platelets not plasma
I’m trying to look into it more, what’s the benefit vs just a regular donation? Supposedly they would like more people to do this method
@@Primal391 Isn't the two hour one donating platelets?
Yes pls talk more about this. I have friends who have symptoms that i told them its related to blood circulation, formation of RBC's, and told them to walk
, avoid processed food and getting to bed early at 9:30/10pm. And most of them are guilty of breaking all of the above.
This is a niche question, but you got me thinking: many pregnant women take low dose aspirin to thin the blood and prevent miscarriage. Are there studies about blood viscosity in pregnancy? Specifically about if pregnancy is itself a condition of thicker blood, or if there are risk factors that cause it? How it relates to pregnancy outcome?
Thank you for your work here, and the moderate, science-backed content.
I have donated blood about 110 within last 25 years . Full blood donation is something in the distant past, now they seek components only from me. Hemoglobin is usuall in 140s for me. I had covid 1 year ago, mild for a week or some. Temperature pretty much didn't go above normal +37C for me. Couple months ago the antibody test show level 98 (norm is 50 units).
Serrapeptase enzyme... Not only is it a very safe thinner but it dissolves clots...helps body get rid of scar tissues, and more. Its amazing stuff.
i have tried multiple times and never had any benefit from it.
@@annaburns5382 Did you take it first thing in morning on empty stomach? If not it becomes just a digestive enzyme.
It lowered my bp both scores 10 points each in just 2 weeks--so rotorootering out the vessels and tubes is one of the benefits. But must be on completely empty stomach and then no food or drink for 20 min.
Where do you get it?
@@bjwalton48 many places sell it under various names. Serrazyme, serrapeptidase, serrapeptase. I buy from Swansons, cheap. 40k to start then go down to 20k units. If you start bruising easily is how to know taking too much, just dial it back a notch.
It really helps me deal with fatigue I feel if have to be exposed to groups of vexed persons. I think it "eats" whatever nastinesses they are shedding. Consider it essential to my survival at this point.
I also take serrapeptase. Probably the most important supplement for anyone that wants to prevent stroke, blood clots, or heart attacks.
Just got back from donating because of this video. Thanks for the great work Mike. 👍
I've recently done labs and my doctor flagged for high red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. My wife is a RN. She's said to me, "you have thick blood"... I was surprised to see this video come up. My cholesterol has always been boarder line. That has recently ticked up. 37yrs old, never gave blood. I also have low IGa. My IGa is 5. I've known about that my entire life. Also have known there is nothing you can do for that. My wife was surprised I haven't been more sick. Like frequency. I'd donate blood but if I have low IGa is it worth it? I know if I received a transfusion I'd be in serious trouble because the higher igA would cause a severe allergic reaction. Learning more and more as the years go by. What if I did regular prp would that suffice? Or is that not enough blood taken? I've never done prp only heard about it
wow ..terrific video. I've resumed donating blood again. Fasting has helped with my hypertension and I'm going to resume blood donating to my routine . I wasn't aware of the health benefits of donating. thanks for the informative video.
Isnt thick blood can be prevented by drinking enough water? Like 4-6% of body weigh daily? Because blood is just a water with concentration of nutrients, viruses, antibodies, etc. Also I know that spleen cleanses body of old erythrocytes, and thats why hot-warm water is best. Im not scientists but I done quite a lot of research on internet.
Dehydration can temporarily elevate hematocrit. Blood tests should done when adequately hydrated. People who are well hydrated can still have viscous blood.
Water thins blood!! Also 72 hour water fast works wonderful!!🏋️♂️💪
What are ways to thin the blood besides drinking water? Aspirin? Sorry, haven't been able to watch the video yet
@@ttc99wilson just blood donation in this video, nothing about water...
@@ttc99wilson take fish oil
I completely agree. My LDL is 125 over max average. My HDL is on the high side of normal. My cardiologist told me my arteries are as clean as a teenager's. I'm 67. Water is a blood thinner. I take Nattokinese also.
What do you think of the new info on asprin being harmful all of a sudden? Odd timing.
Love the t-shirt. Hate needles. Haven't given blood for a while. Sounds like I need to get back in the habit. Now working on a Keto diet and back down below 180 lbs for the first time in a decade or so. Body set point was always around the 180 lbs. So pretty happy about where I am now. Just need to get back to better exercising.
I was donating every 3 months I am a bodybuilder and its very important especially if you take TrT I got covid about year ago I forgot to donate for 8 months. Swelling started in my right leg looked up symptoms went to a vein specialist ,found a 2 and half foot long Dvt I have been on my couch last 2 month's on eliquis now finally my leg is almost back to normal no more swelling but veins slightly pump. If I would have kept on my donations I feel this would never happened to me. I hope this helps others. I may have lost almost all my mass but im alive! I will get my body back because I am alive!
Time to jump back on the Tren, brah.
What about taking Vitamin K2. Folic Acid, and Vitamin D? How does that affect viscosity and blood thickness?
I donate whole blood six times a year (once every 56 days to be exact). In Canada, every donation is approx 500mL (bag + test tubes). I initially started to keep my sky-rocketing iron level in check. Now I just do it out of habit and to mimic women's menstruation. There's a reason pre-menaupasal women are fairly healthy compared to dudes of same age.
I've always heard donating blood is like getting an oil change. Thanks for the information. Just moved and my old doc never talked to me about my blood work. Time to get new lab work and start donating blood again.
I have only donated blood once and have had pain and swelling at the site since. It has lessened over the years, but still happens occasionally. I am afraid to donate again due to this, as it was somewhat debilitating for years after.
That is so weird. A good testimony to take into account. Dang. I'm so sorry that you're going through this. I wonder what's the problem.
Hey, I’m with you. I have donated 36 times. I would only do it if they stick me well.
One time they didn’t. I didn’t return for a long time. Gave this past Friday.
I once tried giving apheresis which is two needles, one each arm & last 2-3 hours.
Didn’t have a good experience with that. Won’t do that again.
When you try again. Ask for their top sticker cause you have had issues in past. They won’t give you a rookie then.
I had a bad red cross experience years ago. Ruined that for years! Drink plenty of water an hour before and ask for pediatric needle-helps alot!
@@noahway4354 pediatric needle for filling up a pint blood-bag? Interesting.
Ground (Earthing) yourself instead then. Grounding yourself will normalize your blood viscosity, plus it will eliminate inflammation. It's the missing link. Sleep grounded and you'll be a new person.
I was diagnosed with polycythemia vera in March of this year. I have to have phlebotomy every 4 weeks due to it.
Thanks for taking the time and doing this amazing work
Im always waiting for a video of yours
Keep up the great work 💪
I've been hearing this from my Dr. He said to donate once every 2 months
I donate blood. Love it! For some reason laying on the bloodletting table is really relaxing for me. Odd, but true.
For me as well. 🤷🏾♀️
Interesting
38yrs old, B neg blood, I do it at least twice a year because I also have high iron blood, hangovers are like blood poisoning but healing is like wolverine and aging is slow.
Also, really good hydration helps thin the blood. I put my baby aspirin in the garbage and started drinking lots of clean water!!!!
Absolutely.
Hospital nurses will ask how much water a patient has drunk when they come in for CV events. Dehydration is a risk for the older people as their thirst prompts are not so reliable.
They have found aspirin reduces covid by up to 50% so don't throw that aspirin out so quick
@@thefraug3827 is “they” BAYER?
I always check who FUNDED a study!
@@mannyradzky493 Thanks for the reminder to do that! I used to check conflicts of interest but should really vet them more because I've learned some freaky stuff has been going on in the science community!
Flaxseed Omega 3 daily,
Nattokinase supplement extracted from natto dissolves excess fibrin(clots)
When the attendants at the blood donor clinic thank me, I say, “No. thank you for taking it out of me so that I can make some fresh stuff”. I selfishly donate just for my body 😆
Ikr, feel like I’m a bad person cause It’s more about my health that I donate. And they always say “thank you” like I’m a saint for saving other people.
The average lifespan of a RBC is 3 months, you think you only donate ‘old’ stuff? If you got thick blood theres an underlying cause for it that you should adress instead
Of flushing out all kinds of usefull contents that are inside your blood
You shouldn't have to apologize. Those nurses and doctors are making bank from your donations.
Both sides benefit and thank you for donating.
Spectacular presentation of data. Blood donation is highly important to those on TRT which elevates blood viscosity- a side effect often overlooked by some “longevity” docs.
What’s TRT?
Hey, good stuff. After donating blood in the past I’ve been given cookies and sugary juice. Better suggestions for post donation nutrition? Thanks
You don’t have to eat/drink any of that stuff. They just want you to sit for a bit is all I think.
Ok this isnt a joke. My blood donation clinic gave ...Free coupons for a pint of beer at a local brewery.
@@enntense That might help with blood viscosity too???
I have diabetes, pretty well controlled. One side effect is a finger stick once a day, so I have an informal understanding of my blood viscosity. My blood viscosity is higher in the winter, probably because I'm less thirsty. I intend to get on top of that.
I can't give blood because my hemocrit is a little low.
I'm surprised women's risk doesn't match men's after menopause.
Thanks for the video-- a doctor recommended staying hydrated to help against stroke, and it seemed very reasonable.
Thank you for all your research! Glasses look great on you!
You really have the best information on YT. Thank you!! I always look forward to your content! :)
I did my labs 5 days ago. My doctor noted I had mild anemia ‘by the book’ with an RBC of 4.52, Hemoglobin of 13.6 and Hemotcrot of 41,2. My sodium was low and I’m easily fixing that. I don’t plan to donate blood but is it fair to say that my ‘low’ numbers might in fact be perfectly fine?
Been doing low/no carb for a few months. I’m a sleep hawk. I do Jiu Jitsu and softball 3-4 times a week
You might feel better getting HCT, HGB up a hair.
@@Highintensityhealth Thanks Mike! Love the channel.
Very clever way of tackling a completely different issue. Respect you so much my friend 👍
How do you counter getting dizzy from giving blood ? Even if I’m insane hydrated and blood draw goes good I still get dizzy and passed out once.
What do you eat (and when) before you donate?
Thank you for talking about fast food! We have avoided it for the last 15 years or so and I think that would be a great idea for the whole country