why running blood is forbidden

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You are referring to a set of dietary prohibitions that closely resemble those found in Islamic (Halal) and Biblical/Jewish (Kashrut/Kosher) laws. Specifically, the four prohibited items often include:
1. Carrion (animals that die of themselves)
2. Running blood (blood that flows freely, not trapped within the meat)
3. Flesh of swine (pork)
4. Animals sacrificed to idols

Your question focuses on the first two: animals that die of themselves and running blood. While these rules originate from religious texts, many of them align with modern food safety and health knowledge. Here is the scientific explanation for why each may be unhealthy.

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1. Animals That Die of Themselves (Carrion)

What it means: An animal that dies from natural causes, disease, accident, or unknown reasons, without proper slaughtering and bleeding.

Why it may be unhealthy:

• Pathogen Overgrowth: When an animal dies, its immune system stops working. Bacteria that normally live in the gut (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium) rapidly multiply and spread into the muscles and organs. This can cause severe food poisoning.
• Toxins from Decomposition: As the body decays, harmful chemicals like cadaverine, putrescine, and histamine accumulate. These can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and digestive upset.
• Hidden Diseases: The animal may have died from a systemic infection (e.g., anthrax, rabies, tuberculosis) or poisoning (e.g., lead, pesticides). These dangers are not visible to the naked eye.
• No Blood Drainage: In healthy slaughter, blood is drained quickly. In carrion, blood remains inside, becoming an ideal breeding ground for bacteria (see next section).

Modern parallel: Food safety agencies warn against eating any animal found dead — it is universally considered unsafe.

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2. Running Blood (Flowing, Non‑Trapped Blood)

What it means: Blood that flows freely from a wound or after slaughter, as opposed to small amounts retained within meat tissues (which is generally allowed in some traditions).

Why it may be unhealthy:

• Bacterial Growth Medium: Blood is nutrient‑rich (high in iron, proteins, glucose). If not immediately drained and cooked thoroughly, it supports rapid bacterial multiplication. Consuming undercooked blood increases the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
• Metabolic Waste Products: Blood carries waste materials that the kidneys and liver were processing — urea, uric acid, creatinine, and excess hormones. Ingesting large amounts of “running blood” means ingesting these waste products, which can stress the body, especially for people with kidney or liver conditions.
• Iron Overload (Hemochromatosis): Blood is extremely high in heme iron. While necessary in small amounts, regularly consuming large volumes of free blood can lead to iron toxicity, causing liver damage, heart problems, and joint pain.
• Blood‑Borne Pathogens: If the animal had a blood‑borne infection (e.g., sepsis, certain viruses, or parasites like Babesia), drinking or eating free‑flowing blood directly transmits those pathogens to the human.
• Coagulation Issues: Blood contains clotting factors. In large amounts, these can interfere with normal digestion and, theoretically, promote abnormal clotting in susceptible individuals.

Modern practice: In most cultures, blood is either drained away or collected and cooked thoroughly (e.g., blood sausage, black pudding). However, even cooked blood is recommended in moderation due to high iron content. “Running blood” — especially raw, free‑flowing blood — is not part of standard healthy diets.

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Summary Table

Prohibited Item	Primary Health Risks
Animal that dies of itself	Pathogens, decomposition toxins, unknown diseases, retained blood
Running blood	Bacterial growth, metabolic wastes, iron overload, blood‑borne diseases

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Important Note

Not all dietary laws are solely about health. Religious prohibitions also include spiritual, ethical, and hygienic reasoning. However, from a purely medical and food‑safety perspective, avoiding carrion and free‑flowing blood is entirely consistent with modern public health advice.

If you have further questions about the other two prohibited items (pork or meat sacrificed to idols), feel free to ask.