The food and beverages we consume on a daily basis play an important role in extending our lives. Though there are exceptions, most people should eat a well-balanced diet. Renowned TikTok heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London recently published a video throwing light on four types of foods and beverages that he believes should be avoided in order to maintain optimal well-being.
Quick Eats: Delectable but Hazardous
The heart surgeon’s first target is fast food.1 He refers to much of the fast food available as “ingestible comestible,” implying that it lacks true nutritional value. Quick meals are notorious for their high calorie content and deficiency in critical nutrients. According to a 2017 article in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, fast foods 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 equally as bad for cardiovascular health as high-sugar foods like confectionery.
Fizzy Drinks: Aqueous Demise
Dr. London refers to both ordinary and diet sodas as “aqueous demise.” The cardiac surgeon claims that 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 risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes.2
Furthermore, diet drinks, which are commonly marketed as healthier alternatives, have been shown to increase appetite and affect metabolism. This can have detrimental health consequences similar to those caused by normal drinks. As a result, it is best to avoid fizzy drinks altogether in order to maintain good health.
Dairy Products: Not as Wholesome as Posited
The use of milk and dairy products is another contentious issue. Dr. London emphasizes that humans are the only mammals that consume milk after infancy, supplied from other species. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine points out 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 may be 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 may be to limit or avoid dairy products.
Read More: 3 Common Aliments That Are Bad for Your Cardiac Health According to Specialists (and What to Eat Instead)
Alcoholic beverages are bad for the body.
Finally, Dr. London addresses alcohol consumption, calling it “unquestionably toxic to every cell in our bodies.” The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside asbestos and tobacco. Even moderate or infrequent alcohol consumption can be harmful, causing a variety of health issues. Oncology doctors, including dietetic expert Nichole Andrews and physician Waqqas Tai, also recommend for avoiding alcohol due to its potential to cause considerable harm to the body. The consensus among health specialists is that the risks associated with alcohol intake significantly outweigh any reasonable benefits.
Cardiac surgeon Dr. Jeremy London’s advice serve as an honest reminder of the importance of dietary preferences in maintaining cardiac health and overall well-being. While eliminating fast food, sugary drinks, dairy products, and alcohol from one’s diet may be difficult, it could 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 promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of long-term illness. By making wise dietary choices, we may take proactive steps toward a longer, healthier life free of the risks associated with certain potentially dangerous foods and beverages.