When it comes to your body's building blocks, blood is one of the most important ones. The human body average contains about 5 litres (1.3 gallons) of blood. This might seem like a lot, but every drop is important for human survival.
Blood is more than just a red liquid; it's a lifeline that keeps our organs working smoothly. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to every cell in our body and brings vital supplies where needed.
Today, stick with us. Let's discuss the basics of blood.
What are the important components of blood
Your blood plays an important role in delivering oxygen and nutrients, filtering out waste, regulating temperature, defending against disease, helping wounds clot and maintaining pH balance. If your blood is disrupted or compromised, you could be at risk of facing serious health problems.
Blood is a complex mixture of key components, each with its function. All these components work together to keep the human body running smoothly.
Red blood cells
Red blood cells (RBCs) are disc-like tiny doughnuts without a hole in the middle. They are also called erythrocytes. RBCs contain a protein called haemoglobin, which gives blood its red colour. Haemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to all body parts.
Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs. They have a lifespan of about 120 days. The body continuously produces new RBCs in the bone marrow to replace the old ones. When RBCs get old or damaged, the spleen and liver help break them down and recycle their components.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, come in various shapes and sizes. They contain nuclei packed with different enzymes and chemicals that help fight infections. WBCs are the body's defence system. They protect against infection by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other harmful invaders. They also work on the healing process by combating infections.
White blood cell lifespan varies from a few days to a few weeks. The bone marrow constantly produces new WBCs to maintain a healthy immune system.
Platelets
Platelets are tiny, disc-shaped cell fragments, also known as thrombocytes. They contain protein and other molecules that help in blood clotting. Platelets' main function is to stop bleeding by forming clots. When we get a cut or injury, platelets assemble at the site and clump together to form a plug. This coagulation process prevents excessive blood loss and allows the wound to heal.
Platelets have a short lifespan of about 8 to 10 days. The body constantly generates new platelets to replace the old or used ones.
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid part of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is a pale yellow fluid containing about 90% water but also protein, hormones, nutrients, waste products, and gases.
Plasma also carries waste products to the kidneys, liver, and lungs for elimination. It maintains blood pressure and volume and plays a role in blood clotting and immunity.
How to support blood health?
Controlling your blood pressure is the only way to support your blood and overall body health. You must be wondering how you know if you have high blood pressure. Per the American Heart Association (AHA), human blood pressure falls in the normal range when it's less than 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension, chronic high blood pressure, is a common disease in blood health. An estimated 32% of adults living in England had high blood pressure, while 2 and 3 in 10 of those (29%) were undiagnosed.
Let's discuss the components that will support blood health.
Eat a Heart Healthy Diet
In the UK, it's estimated that around 7 million people are living with cardiovascular disease. Research shows that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. Whole grains and lean proteins also play a vital role in healthy blood production.
Exercise regularly
Only 63% of adults in England meet the recommended physical activity levels. Daily exercise lowers the risk of heart disease by up to 35%. Getting too little physical exercise negatively impacts your health in many ways. AHA suggests that every person should do at least 150 minutes of normal aerobic activity per week or 80 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week.
Maintain a healthy weight
A 2020 literature review found that obesity was responsible for 65% to 78% of primary hypertension cases. It's important to know your body mass index (BMI) to ensure it stays within a healthy range.
Stop smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of death and approximately 14.4% of adults in the UK smoke. If you smoke, seek help to quit. Resources include nicotine replacement therapy, counselling, and support groups.
Limit alcohol intake
Stick to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. Spread your drinking over three or more days if you consume alcohol regularly. A 2019 study suggests that more than 17,000 people indicated that moderate consumption can substantially raise your risk of hypertension.
In the UK, heart disease continues to be a significant health concern, affecting millions of lives. However, by making informed lifestyle choices and staying proactive about our health, we can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Remember, small changes in daily routine can make a big difference. Taking care of your blood and heart health enhances your quality of life and helps you live longer and healthier.
Final thoughts
Overall, when it comes to your health and wellbeing, you have to prioritise your blood health. It's an important pillar that keeps you alive and functioning on a day-to-day basis. To maintain healthy blood levels then stick to eating a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Want to know more about how to support your blood? Check out our post on how to maintain a healthy heart.