Renowned heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London, who has earned the trust of over 550,000 followers on TikTok, often shares practical, science-backed tips to promote better heart and overall health. In one of his popular videos, he highlights four everyday habits many people consider harmless—but that he personally avoids as a cardiac expert.

These habits may seem minor, but over time, they can increase your risk of chronic illness, disrupt your body's natural balance, and burden your cardiovascular system.

Let’s take a closer look at the four habits Dr. London strongly advises you stop doing today:

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1. Using Mouthwash (Especially Alcohol-Based)

“Stop using mouthwash. This is one thing that I absolutely avoid as a cardiac surgeon.”
– Dr. Jeremy London

While mouthwash is marketed as essential for oral hygiene, Dr. London warns against its daily use—particularly if it contains alcohol.

Why? Because mouthwash kills both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Many people don’t realize that the microbiome in your mouth is closely connected to your gut health. The good bacteria in your oral cavity play a key role in the digestion process, immune defense, and even blood pressure regulation.

When mouthwash wipes out those helpful microbes, it can lead to gut imbalance, higher inflammation levels, and even a negative impact on cardiovascular health.

🔍 Key takeaway: Instead of reaching for mouthwash, prioritize brushing, flossing, and drinking plenty of water. If needed, opt for natural, alcohol-free mouth rinses that support oral flora.

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2. Smoking Tobacco Products

Smoking may seem like an obvious health risk, but many people still underestimate its full impact, especially on the heart.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is a leading cause of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, contributes to over 20 types of cancer, and is associated with many long-term degenerative health conditions.

Dr. London doesn’t mince words:

“Smoking is the worst thing you can do to yourself. It directly injures the lining of blood vessels, increases the chance of atherosclerosis and blockages, and causes cancer.”

Nicotine and other toxic substances in tobacco products cause chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and arterial damage, which drastically increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.

🛑 Even occasional smoking poses serious risks, and secondhand smoke can be harmful too.

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3. Drinking Alcohol (Even in Small Amounts)

“Alcohol is toxic to every cell in your body.”
– Dr. Jeremy London

While moderate alcohol consumption is often portrayed as safe—or even beneficial—Dr. London takes a different stance.

He emphasizes that even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, disrupt liver function, impair sleep, and increase cancer risk. Alcohol affects nearly every organ in the body and is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

What’s more, alcohol contributes to weight gain, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and increased inflammation—all of which are known contributors to heart disease.

🥂 The bottom line? If you want optimal heart and brain health, it’s safest to avoid alcohol entirely or consume it very sparingly.

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4. Eating Processed Foods

“Limit or remove processed foods from your diet.”
– Dr. Jeremy London

Dr. London strongly advises cutting back on ultra-processed foods, which are often loaded with refined sugar, trans fats, excessive sodium, preservatives, and chemical additives.

According to the NHS and numerous peer-reviewed studies, frequent consumption of processed food is directly linked to:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

• Heart disease

• Bowel cancer

• Cognitive decline and depression

Highly processed foods are engineered to be addictive and calorie-dense but are typically low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This disrupts metabolic balance, leads to insulin resistance, and contributes to chronic inflammation—a root cause of many diseases.

🥗 Healthier alternatives: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. If it comes in a package with a long ingredient list you can't pronounce—it's probably best left on the shelf.

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Final Thoughts

Dr. Jeremy London's advice comes from years of firsthand experience treating patients with heart disease and related conditions. His core message is clear:

“Health isn’t just about what you add—it’s also about what you remove.”

By eliminating these four common but harmful habits—alcohol-based mouthwash, smoking, excessive alcohol, and processed foods—you can dramatically reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall well-being.

✅ Small daily changes can make a big difference over time. Start with one habit and build from there. Your heart will thank you for it.