The nourishment and beverages we consume on a daily basis often contribute to living a long and healthy life. Though there are exceptions, maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential for the majority of people. Renowned TikTok heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London recently published a video shining light on four types of edibles and drinks that he believes should be avoided in order to maintain optimal health.
Quick Eats: Delectable but Risky
Fast food is the heart surgeon’s first target.1 He describes much of the fast food available as “ingestible comestible,” implying that it lacks true nutritional value. Swift meals are notorious for their excessive calorie content and lack of critical nutrients. According to a 2017 article in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, quick meals are typically loaded with chemicals, synthetic ingredients, excess corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, and colors, all of which can be harmful to health.
Read More: According to a study, white rice is just as bad for cardiac fitness as high-sugar foods like confectionary.
Fizzy Beverages’ Aqueous Demise\
Dr. London describes both regular and diet sodas as “aqueous demise.” According to the cardiac surgeon, fizzy drinks are known for their high sugar content, which has been linked to a variety of health issues including obesity, poor blood sugar regulation, and diabetes. UCLA Health emphasizes that even one beverage per day can significantly increase the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes.2
Furthermore, diet drinks, which are commonly marketed as healthier alternatives, have been shown to stimulate appetite and disrupt metabolism. This can result in negative health consequences similar to those caused by normal drinks. As a result, completely avoiding fizzy drinks is recommended for maintaining good health.
Dairy Items: Not as Wholesome as Expected
The use of milk and dairy products is another contentious subject. Dr. London emphasizes that humans are the only mammals who consume milk beyond infancy, which comes from other species. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine emphasizes that dairy products are a major source of saturated fat in the American diet, contributing to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
While some studies suggest that fat-free or low-fat dairy is beneficial due to its nutrient profile, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of dairy on health. According to the cardiac surgeon, the safest course of action is to limit or avoid dairy products completely.
Read More: 3 Common Aliments That Are Bad for Your Cardiac Health According to Experts (and What to Eat Instead)
Alcoholic drinks are harmful to the body.
Finally, Dr. London discusses alcohol consumption, describing it as “unquestionably toxic to every cell in our bodies.” Alcohol, along with asbestos and tobacco, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Even moderate or infrequent alcohol consumption can be harmful, resulting in a variety of health issues. Oncology specialists, including dietetic expert Nichole Andrews and physician Waqqas Tai, also advise against drinking alcohol due to its potential to do considerable harm to the body. The consensus among health professionals is that the risks associated with alcohol drinking significantly outweigh any potential benefits.
Cardiac surgeon Dr. Jeremy London’s comments serve as an honest reminder of the importance of food preferences in maintaining cardiac health and overall well-being. While eliminating fast food, fizzy drinks, dairy products, and alcohol from one’s diet may be difficult, it can result in significant health benefits. Instead, adopting a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, as recommended by the American Heart Association, can help to develop a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. By making wise food choices, we may take proactive steps toward living a longer, healthier life free of the risks associated with certain potentially dangerous foods and beverages.
