Beef jerky has become one of the most popular processed meat products consumed by people today (Luo et al., 2020), mainly due to its convenience and taste (Number et al., 2004). Because it is a processed, salty meat, some women may be concerned about eating beef jerky when pregnant.
Beef jerky should be avoided during pregnancy because of the risk of foodborne illnesses. Conventional cooking and drying techniques may not be sufficient to kill any pathogenic bacteria that may be present. Additionally, other ingredients used in beef jerky, such as salt and sodium nitrite, can also be harmful if consumed in excess.
Jesmarie Macapagal, RN, MD, DPPS
Table of Contents hide
Was ist Beef Jerky?
Risks of Eating Beef Jerky During Pregnancy
Food poisoning
High salt content
Nitrites as food additives
Recommendations for eating beef jerky when pregnant
Food safety tips
Was ist Beef Jerky?
Jerky is a snack that has been cooked and dehydrated to extend its shelf life and give it a unique flavor. Due to its low water activity, it can be stored without refrigeration (Choi et al., 2008).
Most jerky products are marinated with various spices. However, the main ingredient is usually dried meat that has been salted and dried as a natural preservative (Luo et al., 2020). The most commonly used meats are beef, pork and turkey.
To make beef jerky, the beef is sliced and then placed in a brining solution typically made of water, salt, and sodium nitrite. The meat is then cooked and dried to reduce its moisture content to less than 50 percent of the total.
The finished product is a ready-to-eat (RTE) snack that requires no further preparation. Its flavor is typically salty and strong, but other variations can be mild, savory, or spicy. It is typically dark in color and rough in texture.
Different packaging materials can be used for beef jerky. Most are packaged in a vacuum-sealed pouch to preserve freshness. A triple barrier bag can also be used, where nitrogen is added to remove all oxygen from the entire package. Other manufacturers also offer their products in a reclosable zipper that can be closed after opening.
Beef jerky is packed with nutrients, high in protein and low in fat (Kim et al., 2020). Beef is known for its high quality protein, iron and vitamin B (Zdanowska-Sąsiadek et al., 2018).
Risks of Eating Beef Jerky During Pregnancy
Food poisoning
Traditional drying methods for making beef and venison jerky do not always follow the recommendation that meat should be heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit prior to the dehydration process. Cooking at this temperature ensures that any bacteria present are killed.
However, most dehydrators do not heat high enough to reach the desired temperatures. In addition, it's important to maintain a constant dehydration temperature of 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit during drying because the dehydration process must be rapid to dry the food before it spoils and enough water removed to prevent microorganisms from growing.
After drying, surviving bacteria become much more heat resistant. Therefore, without the proper cooking temperature prior to the dehydration process, food-borne pathogens can cause illness in those eating the jerky.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection (USDA-FSIS), salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections can be caused by eating jerky products. Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of beef (Laufer et al., 2015) and dried beef products such as beef jerky (Eidson et al., 2000).
There is also a high risk of jerky becoming contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (Ha et al., 2019). This pathogen is normally found on human skin (Otto, 2008) and can be transferred to the jerky from the hands of staff. S. aureus is capable of producing an enterotoxin that leads to foodborne disease (Le Loir et al., 2003).
Number et al. demonstrated in 2004 that conventional drying methods are insufficient to eliminate E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in both whole muscle and ground beef.
Lee et al. isolated the following pathogenic microorganisms in beef jerky in 2015: E. coli, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica.
High salt content
Salt is the most commonly used ingredient among processed meat products. Its function includes inhibiting microbial growth, extending shelf life and increasing protein hydration (Han et al., 2011).
There is overwhelming evidence that excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and blood pressure-related diseases (He & MacGregor, 2010). The role of too much salt in the diet in the development of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke has already been proven (Claas & Arnett, 2016).
In 2009 Brantsaeter et al. showed that pregnant women with a dietary pattern characterized by increased intake of processed meat, salty snacks, and sweet beverages were at higher risk of preeclampsia.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia can lead to perinatal death, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation (Sibai et al., 2005).
Nitrites as food additives
Sodium nitrite and potassium nitrite are commonly used in processed meats as curing mixes. They serve to fix the color of the meat, inhibit microbial growth and ensure a unique taste (Sindelar & Milkowski, 2012).
Studies have shown that nitrites are largely absorbed in the human body after oral ingestion, with a bioavailability approaching 100 percent (Hunault et al., 2009). Acute toxic effects of sodium and potassium nitrites include smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation that can lead to hypotension, and methemoglobinemia (EFSA Panel on Food ANS et al., 2017).
High levels of methemoglobin can cause tissue hypoxia due to the blood's reduced ability to carry oxygen to the tissues. Cyanosis, lethargy, dyspnea, headache, and tachycardia can be seen at methemoglobin concentrations greater than 20 percent. Methemoglobin concentrations greater than 50 percent can cause significant tissue hypoxia and be fatal (Mensinga et al., 2003).
In addition, epidemiological studies have found some evidence of an association between dietary nitrite intake and gastric cancer, and an association between the combination of nitrite plus nitrate from processed meat consumption and colon cancer (EFSA Panel on Food ANS et al., 2017).
Recommendations for eating beef jerky when pregnant
Pregnant women should avoid foods labeled as smoked, nova-style, kippers, jerky, or salmon. Other processed meats can be safe, such as hot dogs, lunch meats, cold cuts, and dried sausage, as long as they're reheated to a safe temperature of 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit) before consumption. Use a food thermometer to make sure you've reached the desired internal temperature.
According to FSIS, store-bought jerky can be stored for up to 12 months, while homemade jerky can be stored for 1 to 2 months. Commercially prepared jerky may be safe for the general population. But for pregnant women, it's best to avoid all jerky products.
Food safety tips
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after preparing meat products.
- Frequently clean surfaces, appliances, and utensils used to prepare food.
- Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other cooked dishes to avoid cross-contamination.
- Keep meat and poultry refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter.
- Marinate meat in the fridge. Do not reuse the marinade.
- Cook meat and poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dry meat in a dehydrator that can maintain the temperature at 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the drying process.
Final Thoughts
Consuming beef jerky carries a small but significant risk of contracting foodborne illness. Beef in jerky products is usually undercooked and does not reach the recommended safe internal temperature for cooking meat. As such, they can contain harmful bacteria such as Toxoplasma, Listeria, E. coli and Salmonella and should be avoided throughout pregnancy.
Cravings during pregnancy can be difficult to deal with, especially when the food you're craving can do serious damage. Eating a balanced diet of lean protein, reduced-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help distract you from some potentially harmful foods.
Talk to your doctor about your pregnancy diet and protect yourself and your baby.
references
- https://peopleschoicebeefjerky.com/blogs/news/question-what-is-jerky
- http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Beef-Jerky.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/beef-jerky-pregnant#risks
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/jerky
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
- Brantsaeter, A.L., Haugen, M., Samuelsen, S.O., Torjusen, H., Trogstad, L., Alexander, J., …, & Meltzer, HM. (2009). A dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of vegetables, fruits, and vegetable oils is associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia in nulliparous pregnant Norwegian women.The Journal of Nutrition 139(6), 1162-1168. doi: 10.3945/jn.109.104968
- Choi, J.H., Jeong, J.Y., Han, D.J., Choi, Y.S., Kim, HY, Lee, MA, …, & Kim, C.J. (2008). Effects of pork/beef contents and different casings on the quality characteristics of semi-cured jerky.Meat Science 80(2), 278-286. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2007.11.028
- Claas, S., & Arnett, D. (2016). The role of a healthy lifestyle in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.Current cardiological reports 18(6), 56. doi: 10.1007/s11886-016-0728-7
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (ANS), Mortensen, A., Aguilar, F., Crebelli, R., Di Domenico, A., Dusemund, B., …, & Younes, M. (2017 ). Reassessment of potassium nitrite (E 249) and sodium nitrite (E 250) as food additives.EFSA Journal 15(6), e04786. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4786
- Eidson, M., Swell, CM, Graves, G., & Olson, R. (2000). Outbreaks of gastroenteritis in bovine meat.Journal of Environmental Health 62(6), 9. https://web.b.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=00220892&AN=2812305&h=ZLye6hNxERUCxmBmIM%2fR8Z%2fgQtK%2fJkIrr%2fC0hjUv5xWFrCAUI96bAS1nFXAB0i3jXyn1eYef76Y8vxvImdHR7Q%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs= AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d00220892%26AN%3d2812305
- Ha J, Lee J, Lee S, Kim S, Choi Y, Oh H, …, & Yoon Y (2019). Mathematical models to describe the kinetic behavior of Staphylococcus aureus during regression.Food science of animal resources 39(3), 371-378. doi:10.5851/kosfa.2019.e28
- Han, D.J., Lee, E.S., Lee, S.K., & Kim, C.J. (2011). Effects of hot boning and soy sauce on processing properties of semi-dried beef jerky.Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources 31(4), 497-505. https://doi.org/10.5851/kosfa.2011.31.4.497
- Er, F., & MacGregor, G. (2010). Reducing Salt Intake in Populations Worldwide: From Evidence to Action.Advances in cardiovascular disease 52(5), 363-382. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2009.12.006
- Hunault, C., van Velzen, A., Sips, A.J., Schothorst, R., & Meulenbelt, J. (2009). Bioavailability of sodium nitrite from aqueous solution in healthy adults.Toxicology Letters 190(1), 48-53. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.06.865
- Kim, T.K., Kim, HW., Lee, Y.Y., Jang, HW., Kim, Y.B., & Choi, Y.S. (2020). Quality features of Duck Jerky: Combined effect of collagen and konjac.Poultry Lore 99(1), 629-636. doi:10.3382/ps/pez561
- Laufer, A.S., Grass, J., Holt, K., Whichard, J.M., Griffin, P.M., & Gould, L.H. (2015). Outbreaks of Salmonella infections attributed to beef: United States, 1973-2011.Epidemiology and Infection 143(9), 2003-2013. doi: 10.1017/S0950268814003112
- Lee, N.K., Kim, H.W., Lee, J.Y., Ahn, D.U., Kim, C.J., & Paik, H.D. (2015). Antimicrobial effect of nisin against Bacillus cereus in beef jerky during storage.Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources 35(2), 272-276. doi:10.5851/kosfa.2015.35.2.272
- Le Loir Y, Baron F & Gautier M (2003). Staphylococcus aureus and food poisoning.Genetics and molecular research 2(1), 63-76. http://www.funpecrp.com.br/gmr/year2003/vol1-2/sim0009_full_text.htm
- Luo Y, Zhao L, Xu J, Su L, Jin Z, Su R, & Jin Y (2020). Influence of fermentation and post-cooking processes on quality parameters and volatile compounds of beef jerky.Food Science and Nutrition 8(5), 2316-2326. doi:10.1002/fsn3.1515
- Mensinga, T., Speijers, G., & Meulenbelt, J. (2003). Health effects of exposure to nitrogenous compounds in the environment.Toxicological assessments 22(1), 41-51. doi: 10.2165/00139709-200322010-00005
- Number B, Harrison J, Harrison M, Kendall P, Sofos J, & Andress E (2004). Effects of cooking methods on the microbiological safety of home dried meat jerky.Journal of Food Protection 67(10), 2337-2341. two: 10.4315/0362-028x-67.10.2337
- Otto, M. (2008). Staphylococcal Biofilms.Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology 322, 207-228. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-75418-3_10
- Sibai, B., Dekker, G., & Kupferminc, M. (2005). Preeclampsia.Lanzette 365(9461), 785-799. two: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)17987-2
- Sindelar, J., & Milkowski, A. (2012). Human safety controversies related to dietary nitrates and nitrites.nitric oxide 26(4), 259-266. doi: 10.1016/j.niox.2012.03.011
- Zdanowska-Sąsiadek, Z., Marchewka, J., Horbańczuk, J.O., Wierzbicka, A., Lipińska, P., Jόźwik, A., Atanasov, A., …, & Hoffman, L. (2018). Nutrient composition in fit snacks from ostrich, beef and chicken jerky.Molecules 23(6), 1267. doi:10.3390/Molekule23061267
FAQs
Can a pregnant woman eat beef jerky? ›
Pregnant women can eat beef jerky, but they should moderate their intake and choose a high-quality product to minimize risk. If you have any questions about what foods you should or shouldn't eat during pregnancy, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Is beef jerky good for fertility? ›#1 Processed Meats
Processed meats include hamburgers, bacon, beef jerky, hot dogs, and salami. Studies show that red meat is related to low sperm concentration and total sperm count. Eating processed red meat can also alter sperm motility.
Try not to worry if you've had cold cured meats already in pregnancy. Listeriosis and toxoplasmosis are very rare and the risk to your baby is low. Eating cooked cured meats is fine, so you can eat them if they're added to pizza or in a pasta dish.
What snacks to avoid while pregnant? ›- Some types of cheese. Don't eat mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie, camembert and chevre (a type of goat's cheese) and others with a similar rind. ...
- Pâté ...
- Raw or partially cooked eggs. ...
- Raw or undercooked meat. ...
- Liver products. ...
- Supplements containing vitamin A. ...
- Some types of fish. ...
- Raw shellfish.
The best-by date on the package indicates the window of peak freshness. As long as it has been stored properly, unopened jerky is safe to consume after the best-by date. But it won't taste as good as fresh jerky. As a general rule of thumb, commercial beef jerky is best enjoyed within 1 year.
What snacks should pregnant woman eat? ›- Apples, Peanut Butter, and Crackers. 1/12. ...
- Tortilla Chips With Guacamole. 2/12. ...
- Yogurt With Nuts and Fruit. 3/12. ...
- Chocolate and Fruit. 4/12. ...
- Trail Mix. 5/12. ...
- Half a Tuna Sandwich. 6/12. ...
- Smoothies. 7/12. ...
- Hummus With Veggies and Pita Chips. 8/12.
Because they are not fully cooked, Slim Jim brand 'meat stick' products carry the same risk of foodborne illness as other dried meat and jerky products. It is best to avoid undercooked meats during pregnancy, which includes Slim Jims.
What foods to avoid while trying to get pregnant? ›- Soda and Other High Sugar Foods.
- High Carb Foods: Pasta, Grains, Bread, Baked Goods, Potatoes, etc.
- Low-Fat Dairy.
- Trans Fats.
- Processed Meats.
- Excess Alcohol.
- Excessive Caffeine.
- Processed Foods.
Jerky is a fully cooked product. It is never raw. Of course, merely cooking meat does not preserve it. Jerky can last so long without spoiling because it contains so little moisture.
What can I substitute for meat while pregnant? ›...
Alternatives to meat
- eggs.
- legumes — beans, lentils, chickpeas and tofu.
- nuts — almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and walnuts.
- seeds — pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds.
Can I eat pepperoni while pregnant? ›
Like other cured salamis, pepperoni is a raw food. Whether from the deli counter or out of the bag, you should avoid eating it cold because it can harbor bacteria that can harm your developing baby. However, cooked pepperoni is fine.
Can I eat marshmallows while pregnant? ›This is probably why the modern fluffy marshmallows we see in the supermarket today make use of gelatin. Gelatin comes from the collagen of pigs or cows. It is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in food amounts (source: MedlinePlus).
What happens if you eat too much beef jerky? ›Downsides of beef jerky
It's very high in sodium, with a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving providing roughly 22% of your daily sodium allowance, which is set at 2,300 mg per day ( 5 ). Excessive sodium intake may harm several aspects of your health, including heart health, blood pressure, and stroke risk ( 2 , 6 ).
The American Cancer Society recommends limiting your intake of red and processed meats like beef jerky. That's because the World Health Organization has concluded that eating 50 grams of processed meat every day (about 2 to 3 large pieces of jerky) increases your risk for colon cancer by 18%.
Is beef jerky considered processed meat? ›Beef jerky is a processed red meat
Just like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, beef jerky is a form of processed red meat. In 2020, researchers looked at the relationship between red and processed meat consumption and cancer risk.
Sweet potato chips
The potassium and magnesium in sweet potatoes help control your blood pressure (so you even reduce your risk of pregnancy complications), and they're a tasty, crunchy snack you can feel good about eating.
- Cold foods such as smoothies and yogurt.
- Cool, bubbly drinks such as fruit-flavored carbonated water.
- Easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, and rice.
- Fruit such as bananas and applesauce.
- Ginger ale with real ginger, ginger tea with fresh grated ginger, or ginger candies.
Potential complications related to poor intake during pregnancy. Undernutrition can lead to many pregnancy-related complications, including poor fetal growth, low birth weight, and maternal weight loss. It's also associated with lower mental function and behavioral problems in children ( 29 , 30 , 31 ).
Is KFC OK for pregnancy? ›ALL CHICKEN PRODUCTS CONTAIN MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INFANTS BELOW 12 MONTHS AND PREGNANT WOMEN.
Can you eat bacon while pregnant? ›You can enjoy bacon safely during pregnancy. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, until it's steaming hot. Avoid ordering bacon at a restaurant because you don't know how well it's cooked. If you want to avoid all risks completely, there are meat-free bacon alternatives available, like soy or mushroom bacon.
Can I eat hot dogs while pregnant? ›
Some ready-to-eat foods, such as hot dogs, can become contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes after they have been processed and packaged at the plant. If it's not possible to reheat hot dogs, don't eat them.
How does your body feel after sperm enters? ›Can you feel when sperm enters? Yes, if your partner has a strong and intense ejaculation during unprotected sex, you can feel when sperm enters as the ejaculation shoots inside you. If your partner doesn't ejaculate much, you cannot feel it. Also, you cannot feel when the sperm fertilises the egg.
Does chocolate cause infertility? ›It's packed with minerals
A serving of dark chocolate includes fiber, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. These minerals help hormonal balance, maintain the DNA integrity of eggs and sperm, and also increases sperm count.
- Lose or Gain a Lot of Weight.
- Overdo the Exercise.
- Put Off Starting a Family Too Long.
- Wait Until You Miss Your Period to Stop Drinking.
- Smoke.
- Double Up on Your Vitamins.
- Amp Up on Energy Drinks or Espresso Shots.
- Skimp on Sex.
Some research suggests that increasing body mass index (BMI) is linked with decreasing sperm count and sperm movement. Eat a healthy diet. Choose plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants — and might help improve sperm health. Prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Why is beef jerky so healthy? ›Yes, beef jerky is healthy and has many health benefits including weight loss. When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, beef jerky is an excellent snack food that is low calorie, high in protein, and a good source of vitamins and minerals including zinc, iron, choline, and Vitamin B12.
Is beef jerky a junk food? ›When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, beef jerky is an excellent snack food that is low calorie, high in protein, and a good source of minerals including zinc, iron, and choline. Selecting the right jerky is important, however, as some commercial jerky products are high in sodium and full of sugar.
Is jerky just dehydrated meat? ›Our Beef Jerky is Smoked, Not Dehydrated
The beef jerky process begins by thinly slicing beef strips and trimming almost all of the fat off. As fat does not “dry”, it would not allow the product to cure well. Only top and bottom beef rounds are used in our beef jerky so the fat content is minimal anyway.
Protein — Promote growth
Protein is crucial for your baby's growth throughout pregnancy. Good sources: Lean meat, poultry, seafood and eggs are great sources of protein. Other options include beans and peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products.
Fiuza says pregnancy cravings for animal protein, such as steak and chicken, are also normal, but they could be a sign that you are experiencing iron deficiency anemia, as these foods are rich in iron. Anemia is common during pregnancy, affecting between 20% and 80% of pregnant women.
How can I get protein while pregnant without meat? ›
- Eggs.
- Dairy products.
- Legumes, such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils.
- Soy foods, including tempeh, tofu, soy milk, and soy beans.
- Many nuts, seeds, and nut butters (such as peanuts, almonds, cashews, chia seeds, flaxseed, and walnuts)
Pizzas are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long they're cooked thoroughly and piping hot. Mozzarella is perfectly safe, but be cautious about pizzas topped with soft, mould-ripened cheeses, such as brie and camembert, and blue-veined cheeses, such as Danish blue.
Can I eat Dominos pizza when pregnant? ›Can I eat Domino's if I'm pregnant? Yes, all of our cheese is pasteurised so it's fine for pregnant ladies to eat.
Can I eat ham on pizza when pregnant? ›Avoid foods such as pate, cold cooked chicken and deli meats such as ham and salami unless reheated to high temperature e.g., on a pizza. Avoid coleslaws, salads and fruit salads unless you are sure they have been freshly prepared.
Can I eat spaghetti while pregnant? ›It is an easy and cheap dish to cook for busy moms to be, but overdoing it can have a detrimental effect on the well-being of both. Pasta does contain nutrients like vitamin A, B, folic acid and the most essential macronutrient, carbohydrate.
What candy can you not eat while pregnant? ›Researchers found that kids who were exposed to large amounts of licorice in the womb performed worse—by approximately seven IQ points—in cognitive reasoning tests than those who were not. (Thankfully, this finding is limited to black licorice. Red licorice uses different ingredients.)
Can pregnant ladies eat pasta? ›A balanced diet during pregnancy will include an increase in some vitamins, nutrients and minerals. As a guide, try for the following each day: 4 to 6 serves of breads/cereals, rice, noodles, pasta (one serve equals two slices of bread, one cup of cooked rice/pasta/noodles, half a cup of muesli)
Is beef jerky pasteurized? ›The answer is no, beef jerky is not pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that kills bacteria, and it is important to avoid unpasteurized foods when pregnant. Unpasteurized foods are a common source of Listeria and Salmonella infection, and this can be dangerous for both you and your unborn child.
What meats should you avoid when pregnant? ›- raw or undercooked meat.
- liver and liver products.
- all types of pâté, including vegetarian pâté
- game meats such as goose, partridge or pheasant.
Jerky is a fully cooked product. It is never raw. Of course, merely cooking meat does not preserve it. Jerky can last so long without spoiling because it contains so little moisture.
Is beef jerky dehydrated raw meat? ›
Is beef jerky raw? Beef jerky is 100% cooked and requires no additional preparation, cooking, or special handling. By definition, beef jerky is shelf-stable which means that it is ready to eat as is.
What not to do while pregnant that can cause a miscarriage? ›- Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, as well as premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. ...
- Drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs. ...
- Not managing health conditions properly. ...
- Not being a healthy weight. ...
- Not eating well. ...
- Consuming too much caffeine.
Pizzas are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long they are cooked thoroughly and are piping hot. Mozzarella is perfectly safe but be cautious about pizzas topped with soft, mould-ripened cheeses such as brie and camembert, and soft blue-veined cheeses, such as Danish blue.
What should I avoid during first trimester? ›- Avoid smoking and e-cigarettes. ...
- Avoid alcohol. ...
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs. ...
- Avoid raw sprouts. ...
- Avoid certain seafood. ...
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices. ...
- Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats. ...
- Avoid too much caffeine.
You may have seen silica packets in everything from beef jerky to the new shoes you bought. While silica gel is usually nontoxic if ingested, some people have choked on it. For this reason, manufacturers label them “Do not eat.” If a loved one is choking on silica gel, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention.
Why do I crave beef jerky? ›Lack Of Protein In Your Diet
A protein deficiency in your body could make you start craving meat. Meat is a rich source of this body-building nutrient. Meat cravings, coupled with other symptoms such as weak and brittle nails, are one of the first signs of protein deficiency.