Ensuring a long and healthy life often hinges on the food and drinks we consume daily. While there are exceptions to every rule, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for most people. TikTok heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London recently shared a video highlighting four types of foods and drinks that he believes should be avoided to maintain optimal health.
Fast Food: Tasty but Dangerous
The heart surgeon’s first target is fast food.1 He describes much of the fast food available as “edible food product,” implying that it lacks genuine nutritional value. Fast foods are notorious for being high in calories and low in essential nutrients. According to a 2017 article in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, fast foods are typically loaded with chemicals, synthetic ingredients, extra corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, and coloring agents, all of which can be detrimental to health.
Soft Drinks: Liquid Death
Dr. London refers to both regular and diet sodas as “liquid death.” The heart surgeon says that soft drinks are infamous for their high sugar content, which is linked to numerous health issues such as obesity, poor blood sugar control, and diabetes. UCLA Health highlights that even one soda per day can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.2
Additionally, diet sodas, often marketed as healthier alternatives, have been found to increase hunger and disrupt metabolism. This can lead to adverse health effects similar to those caused by regular sodas. Therefore, avoiding soft drinks altogether is advisable for maintaining good health.
Milk Products: Not as Healthy as You Think
The consumption of milk and dairy products is another contentious issue. Dr. London points out that humans are the only mammals that consume milk beyond infancy and from other species. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine notes that dairy products are a major source of saturated fat in the American diet, contributing to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
While some studies suggest that fat-free or low-fat dairy can be beneficial due to its nutrient content, more research is needed to fully understand the impacts of dairy on health. The safest approach, according to the heart surgeon, might be to limit or avoid dairy products altogether.
Alcohol: Poison for the Body
Lastly, Dr. London addresses the consumption of alcohol, labeling it as “absolutely toxic to every cell in our bodies.” The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, a category that includes asbestos and tobacco. Even moderate or occasional use of alcohol can be harmful, leading to various health issues. Oncology experts, including dietitian Nichole Andrews and doctor Waqqas Tai, also advocate for avoiding alcohol due to its potential to cause significant harm to the body. The consensus among health professionals is that the risks associated with alcohol consumption far outweigh any potential benefits.
Conclusion
Heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London’s recommendations serve as a stark reminder of the importance of dietary choices in maintaining heart health and overall well-being. While it may be challenging to eliminate fast food, soft drinks, milk products, and alcohol from one’s diet, doing so could lead to significant health benefits. Instead, focusing on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, as recommended by the American Heart Association, can help promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. By making mindful food choices, we can take proactive steps towards a longer, healthier life, free from the risks associated with these potentially harmful foods and drinks.
