According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects approximately three million Americans. Characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (the two conditions that comprise IBD) can cause symptoms that include fatigue, abdominal pain, and persistent diarrhea.

There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.

It turns out that donating blood doesn’t just benefit recipients. There are health benefits for donors, too, on top of the benefits that come from helping others. Read on to learn the health benefits of donating blood and the reasons behind them.

There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.

It turns out that donating blood doesn’t just benefit recipients. There are health benefits for donors, too, on top of the benefits that come from helping others. Read on to learn the health benefits of donating blood and the reasons behind them.