They seem to be the safer bet but the possibility of contamination cannot be ruled out. A: In recent years, the level of nitrates contained in processed foods has decreased, and is considered safe for pregnant women. Human Health Cancer. Human Health Cancer. Do not allow the hot dogs to become cold or you risk further contamination. However I agree – hot dogs are hot dogs and nitrates are nitrates – so it’s important to eat processed meats in small amounts, no matter what kind you buy. She is an avid runner and a certified pilates and yoga instructor who enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for fitness with others. Hot dogs are safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as they are cooked over 160 degrees F. Any processed meat, such as hot dogs, salami, or cold cuts, can potentially be contaminated with bacteria during the packaging stage. There are local health food stores that sell nitrite-free chicken and turkey hot dogs. Nitrates are a no-no when pregnant because they can consume carcinogenic nitrosamines in the body. You are pregnant and you like eating hotdogs. Hot dogs contain sodium that is higher than what is usually allowed during pregnancy. Sodium nitrites are also associated with causing damage to blood vessels thus increasing the risk for developing heart disease. One of the few things I can stomach these days. As a mom-to-be, you'll want to steer clear of those foods that have been preserved with nitrates and nitrites, chemicals used in food preservation that (in high amounts) aren't good for a developing fetus. Amanda Hynes has more than 10 years of professional experience in fitness and wellness. Whether they are grilled, boiled or microwaved, your hot dogs should be steaming and served hot. Even major companies like Oscar Mayer and Ball Park are offering nitrate-free dogs. Nitrates and nitrites are key in hot dogs and other cured meats like ham and bacon: they prevent spoilage and block the growth of the bacterium that causes botulism (a foodborne illness).They're types of salts, with nitrates naturally found in many vegetables and converted to nitrites in your body-or in the lab. Many popular brands like Oscar Meyer and Ball Park offer nitrate free options. Hot dogs and other processed meats have been repeatedly implicated in greatly increased risk of colon cancer. NaturalNews.com: Processed Meat Consumption Results in 67% Increase in Pancreatic Cancer Risk, Says New Research. Although it is said that they can be eaten by expectant mothers when heated to 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit for two minutes, you may want to avoid hot dogs during pregnancy as they may still carry the Listeria bacteria. The levels are pretty low, so you would have to take in quite a few hot dogs to do any damage. One regular, six-inch hot dog bun alone is known to contain almost 140 calories, 2.5g of fat, 28g carbohydrates, 4g of protein and less than 270mg sodium . There are a lot of people, probably including your doctor, warned you to avoid hot dogs especially during pregnancy because there’s a possibility that you will consume bacteria that comes with it. Check out our Zodiac Center! The average hot dog contains about 50 mcg of nitrates per 100 g of meat, which carries about 9 mg of nitrites. Although ordering a hot dog at the baseball stadium may be off the menu, this doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy hot dogs. Uncured Hot Dogs. Though the terms nitrates and nitrites are used interchangeably, the meat industry says it's mainly sodium nitrite that companies currently use to cure meats such as hot dogs, cold cuts and bacon. Be cautious when eating hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats unless they are properly reheated to steaming (or 160 degrees F.): Eating out at certain restaurants that provide deli meat sandwiches is not recommended for pregnant women since they do not reheat their deli meats. Sodium nitrates and nitrites are compounds manufactured and used as food preservatives to enhance color and extend shelf-life. Here are a few things to remember before you eat a hot dog during pregnancy. I think the general rule is one hot dog a week. Other Risks Associated With Hot Dogs During Pregnancy. Nitrites play several roles: they maintain the pinkish meat coloration. Employed in food preservatives, it another factor to consider if you want to eat hot dogs when you are pregnant. The good news about nitrates and nitrites is that it's easier now to find hot dogs that don't include them. But is it safe to eat them in small amounts? Luckily, it's easy to satisfy your cravings with healthy, animal-friendly veggie dogs. They function as preservatives, helping to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Women are cautioned against consuming ready-to-eat foods such as cold cuts, soft cheeses and hot dogs during pregnancy because of the possibility of consuming harmful bacteria. Is It Safe to Eat Sushi While Pregnant?Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy, Dr. Amos Grunebaum, MD, FACOG is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and among the world's leading authorities on fertility and pregnancy. A good example is the meat-free hot dogs rich in vegetables, grains, and soy. The rare, but life-threatening bacterium grows in the tightly packed environments of processed meat. Most hot dogs contain nitrates (also found in luncheon meat) which are used to help preserve the meat and combat botulism. Sodium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrate are food preservatives used primarily in processed meat products such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, ham, bacon, corned beef (spam), and in smoked fish. Amelia, Nitrates are nitrates, your body processes them the same way regardless of … Sodium nitrates are used to cure the meat as they enhance its flavour, colour and also increases its life on the shelf. ;;) Applegate's Great Organic Uncured Turkey Hot Dog and Waterhill Naturals Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs … Hot Dogs Hot dogs are one of the most processed sources of meat on the market. Trader Joe's nitrate free all beef dogs are amazing. Often garnished with ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, onion, cheese or chili, they are a delight for your taste buds. The reason why conventional hot dogs cause cancer is because they contain high levels of nitrates. © 2001-2020 BabyMed.com - All Rights Reserved. While there has been a lot of controversy regarding the effect of nitrates on the human body, there has not been any positive indication that nitrates harm the developing baby. Sodium nitrates are used to cure the meat as they enhance its flavour, colour and also increases its life on the shelf. Her fitness column appears in the weekly publication, "The Red Springs Citizen." As far as what brand you buy, that is up to you. Hot dogs are also high in fat and salt that are not good for your body or your baby. Hynes graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in foods and nutrition. Yet, even if you feel a craving for hot dogs during pregnancy it is better to avoid them, especially if they are not completely heated above 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Report 2 Reply. They also add a salty flavour and improve the appearance of the meat products by giving them a red or pink color. Listeria monocytogenes can be destroyed with heat. Also, the cheese that they are garnished with can harm the pregnant mother and the fetus if it is not pasteurized- bleu cheese, Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, for instance, are often not pasteurized and thus are unsafe for pregnant mothers. A study conducted by Dr. Ute Nothlings, et al, in the 2007 Journal of Epidemiology revealed that participants who consumed processed meats in large amounts had a high risk of pancreatic cancer. As food preservatives, they prevent the formation of harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum. Learn more about Obie here. However, it also contains 12 grams of fat and 500mg of sodium. Sodium is not only bad for heart, but in the case of a pregnant woman, it can lead to complications in the delivery and birth defects in the unborn baby. Sodium Nitrates and hotdog consumption. Our new app provides expert, personalized fertility insights and guidance. Reply The Doc December 31, 2018 at 7:46 am. The good news about nitrates and nitrites is that it's easier now to find hot dogs that don't include them. This bacteria is responsible for causing listeriosis, an infection characterized by flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal distress. The purpose of Sodium nitrate in hot dogs is to combat Listeria, which it does do quite effectively, but the chemical has also been linked to heart disease and the possibility of developing pancreatic cancer. The products used in hot dogs often have bacteria and precooking hot dogs and other processed foods will eliminate those bacteria. An additional concern that is associated with the consumption of hot dogs is sodium nitrates. I wouldn't be too concerned with nitrates unless you plan on eating like 50 hot dogs in one sitting. Nitrates and nitrites are frequently added to processed meats like bacon, ham, sausages and hot dogs. Nitrates are of particular concern with cured meats like hot dogs, says Mariana Stern, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Southern California. I'm a hot dog hoar. Nitrates also give hot dogs the pinkish brown color you associate with the food. It’s a deciding factor for many people when they buy processed meat like bacon or lunchmeat, and it’s been hanging out in the back of my mind since I bought all-beef Hebrew National hot dogs last month. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nitrates in hot dogs and other processed meats prevent the spread a deadly toxin called botulism 1. edemoss member. Additional concerns associated with hot dog consumption are sodium nitrates. Even major companies like Oscar Mayer and Ball Park are offering nitrate-free dogs. Into astrology? In addition to his current work, Dr. Amos is using his vast experience to launch Obie, a science-based app that offers personalized fertility advice. Sodium nitrates and nitrites are compounds manufactured and used as food preservatives to enhance color and extend shelf-life. The risk for listeriosis is greatest when consuming uncooked deli meats; if not heated properly, bacteria will continue to thrive. They're types of salts, with nitrates naturally found in many vegetables and converted to nitrites in your body-or in the lab. They can be spicy or mild and may be made from chicken, pork, beef, and turkey. Hot dogs are high in sodium, nitrates and fats. My baby lived to tell about it I should find some nitrate free hot dogs because I would love to enjoy more! Properly cooked hot dogs are safe for pregnant women when consumed in moderation. Hot dogs and deli meat That double turkey, salami and onion with extra mustard might be tempting your pregnancy-crazed appetite, but it may not be the healthiest option out there right now. , nitrates and fats Consider if you are pregnant and happen to to... 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