Maintaining a long and healthy life often depends on the food and beverages we consume each day. While exceptions exist, a balanced diet remains essential for most people. Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon who shares health tips on TikTok, recently posted a video outlining four types of foods and drinks that he believes should be avoided to achieve optimal health.

Fast Food: Delicious Yet Harmful

Dr. London’s first recommendation is to steer clear of fast food. He refers to much of the fast food we consume as “edible food product,” suggesting that it lacks real nutritional benefits. Fast food is often packed with empty calories and devoid of essential nutrients. A 2017 article in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine points out that fast foods typically contain harmful additives, synthetic ingredients, excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, and food coloring agents, all of which can negatively impact our health.

Soft Drinks: Liquid Danger

Dr. London also highlights both regular and diet sodas, calling them “liquid death.” He warns that soft drinks are high in sugar, a major contributor to obesity, poor blood sugar regulation, and diabetes. UCLA Health emphasizes that even drinking one soda per day can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, diet sodas, often marketed as a healthier choice, can actually lead to increased hunger and disrupt metabolism, causing negative health effects similar to those of regular sodas. Therefore, avoiding soft drinks altogether is recommended for better health.

Dairy Products: Questionable Health Benefits

Dr. London also raises concerns about dairy consumption. He points out that humans are the only species that continues to drink milk after infancy and from other animals. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, dairy products are a significant source of saturated fat in the American diet, which contributes to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.

While some studies suggest that low-fat or fat-free dairy products may have health benefits due to their nutrient content, the long-term impact of dairy on our health is still under research. Dr. London’s advice is to limit or even eliminate dairy products from your diet to be on the safe side.

Alcohol: A Poison for the Body

Lastly, Dr. London discusses alcohol consumption, describing 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 substances like asbestos and tobacco. Even moderate or occasional alcohol consumption can have harmful effects, contributing to various health issues. Experts in oncology, including dietitian Nichole Andrews and Dr. Waqqas Tai, also recommend avoiding alcohol due to its potential to inflict considerable harm on the body. The consensus among health professionals is clear: the risks of drinking alcohol outweigh any potential benefits.

Conclusion

Dr. Jeremy London’s recommendations offer a powerful reminder of how crucial our food choices are to our heart health and overall well-being. While cutting out fast food, sodas, dairy, and alcohol may seem challenging, doing so could provide significant health benefits. Instead, focusing on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, as suggested by the American Heart Association, can promote a healthier lifestyle and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. By making conscious food choices, we can take proactive steps toward a longer, healthier life, free from the dangers posed by these potentially harmful foods and beverages.