The Advantages of Knowing Your Blood Type
Your blood type tells a lot about your health and genetics. There are four blood type groups along with the Rhesus factor, which is noted with a positive or negative after your specific type.
Knowing your blood type can greatly improve your health. It is another tool that gives you the information necessary to make good decisions. In extreme cases, knowing your blood type can even save your life. If you don’t already know what type of blood you have, it is worth getting it checked. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to have it done.
Health Risks and Conditions
Your blood type may make you more susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases. Knowing your blood type is the best way to take positive action and the appropriate steps to lower your risk of developing these health issues. When you know what you could face, you can make adjustments to your lifestyle to keep your risk as low as possible.
Knowing your blood type and getting functional medicine blood tests completed can give you a lot of information about your overall health. If you have been experiencing uncomfortable or unusual symptoms and can’t determine the cause, your healthcare provider can order tests to take a closer look and potentially find the root of the problem. Lab work can be one of the most useful methods for finding the right diagnosis and treatment.
Emergency Transfusions
If you happen to be involved in an accident or experience a sudden health event that requires surgery or results in blood loss, then you may need a transfusion. Knowing your blood type is essential to ensure that you receive the correct donor blood. Having this information on file can save valuable time and get you the lifesaving transfusion you need more quickly. When you know your blood type, family and friends that are compatible can also step forward and donate blood to ensure there is an adequate supply.
Donating Blood
There is always a need for blood donations. You can find a blood drive in your neighborhood or ask your local hospital or Red Cross how to donate. Whenever you give blood, your type is one of the most important questions. Sometimes there is a surplus of a certain blood type and your donation is not needed in that area.
Other times, your blood type may be in critical demand. Some blood types are very common and the need for them is normally high. After a natural disaster or a bad accident, there may be a call for a specific blood type to meet an emergency need. Knowing your type allows you to answer an urgent call in times of crisis.
Diet
Your blood type can greatly affect how your body reacts to the foods that you eat. Some blood types may have trouble processing certain foods and will experience side effects like headaches, digestive issues, or brain fog. When you learn your blood type, you can do your research and figure out the best diet for you to keep you healthy and feeling great.
Fertility and Pregnancy
Certain blood types may impact your fertility and make it more difficult for you to conceive. If you are planning on having a family, getting your blood typed could give you important information.
Another essential reason to know your blood type if you plan to have children is that there is the possibility of experiencing complications if you have Rh incompatibility. This is when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive. If the blood comes into contact, the baby can experience issues such as jaundice. A preventative shot can help to mitigate these risks.
Conclusion
Getting your blood typed is simple. You can ask your doctor to take a sample or even do a simple at-home test. Once you know this crucial information, you can make more informed life decisions and take action to stay healthier so you live a longer, more fulfilling life.
