Heart Surgeon Warns: 4 Foods and Drinks You Should "Always Avoid" to Protect Your Body

A long, healthy life often depends on what we eat and drink every day. While there are always exceptions, a balanced diet is vital for most people. Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon popular on TikTok, recently shared a video highlighting four types of foods and drinks he believes we should avoid for optimal health.

1. Fast Food: Tasty but Dangerous

The heart surgeon's first target is fast food. He describes many fast-food offerings as "edible food products," implying they lack true nutritional value. Fast foods are famously 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 harm your health.

2. Soft Drinks: Liquid Death

Dr. London calls both regular and diet sodas "liquid death." He explains that soft drinks are notorious for their high sugar content, which is linked to numerous health issues like obesity, poor blood sugar control, and diabetes. UCLA Health points out that even one soda per day can significantly raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, diet sodas, often marketed as healthier options, have been found to increase hunger and disrupt metabolism. This can lead to similar negative health effects as regular sodas. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid soft drinks entirely for good health.

3. Milk Products: Not as Healthy as You Might Think

The consumption of milk and dairy products is another debated topic. Dr. London highlights 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 might offer benefits due to its nutrient content, more research is needed to fully understand dairy's overall health impacts. According to the heart surgeon, the safest approach might be to limit or completely avoid dairy products.

4. Alcohol: A Toxin for Your Body

Lastly, Dr. London addresses alcohol consumption, labeling it "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 alcohol use can be harmful, leading to various health problems. Oncology experts, including dietitian Nichole Andrews and doctor Waqqas Tai, also advocate for avoiding alcohol due to its potential for significant bodily harm. 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 how important dietary choices are for maintaining heart health and overall well-being. While it might be challenging to cut out fast food, soft drinks, milk products, and alcohol entirely, 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 promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. By making mindful food choices, we can take proactive steps toward a longer, healthier life, free from the risks associated with these potentially harmful foods and drinks.

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Are there any of these foods or drinks that you find particularly challenging to avoid?