Ensuring a long and healthy life often hinges on the food and drinks we consume daily. While there are exceptions to every rule, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for most people. TikTok heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London recently shared a video highlighting four types of foods and drinks that he believes should be avoided to maintain optimal health.
Fast Food: Tasty but Dangerous
Fast food might be convenient and delicious, but it comes at a significant cost to your health. Dr. London describes much of the fast food available today as “edible food product,” implying that it lacks genuine nutritional value. Fast foods are notorious for being high in calories and low in essential nutrients, making them a poor choice for those seeking long-term health.
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. These additives can lead to various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. By avoiding fast food, you can significantly reduce your risk of these chronic conditions and improve your overall well-being.
Soft Drinks: Liquid Death
Dr. London refers to both regular and diet sodas as “liquid death,” and for good reason. Soft drinks are infamous for their high sugar content, which is linked to numerous health issues such as obesity, poor blood sugar control, and diabetes. According to UCLA Health, even one soda per day can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, making it a habit worth breaking.
Diet sodas, often marketed as healthier alternatives, are no better. Research has found that they can increase hunger, disrupt metabolism, and lead to adverse health effects similar to those caused by regular sodas. For those serious about their health, cutting out soft drinks entirely is a step in the right direction.
Milk Products: Not as Healthy as You Think
The consumption of milk and dairy products is another contentious issue. Dr. London points out that humans are the only mammals that consume milk beyond infancy and from other species. While milk is often touted as a source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, its health benefits are not as clear-cut as many believe.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine highlights 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 can be beneficial due to its nutrient content, more research is needed to fully understand the impacts of dairy on health. To err on the side of caution, limiting or avoiding dairy products altogether might be the safest approach.
Alcohol: Poison for the Body
Lastly, Dr. London addresses the consumption of alcohol, labeling 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 asbestos and tobacco. Even moderate or occasional use of alcohol can be harmful, leading to various health issues, including liver damage, heart disease, and cancer.
Oncology experts, including dietitian Nichole Andrews and Dr. Waqqas Tai, also advocate for avoiding alcohol due to its potential to cause significant harm to the body. The consensus among health professionals is that the risks associated with alcohol consumption far outweigh any potential benefits. For those looking to maintain optimal health, eliminating alcohol from their diet is a wise decision.
The Path to a Healthier Lifestyle
Dr. Jeremy London’s recommendations serve as a stark reminder of the importance of dietary choices in maintaining heart health and overall well-being. While it may be challenging to eliminate fast food, soft drinks, milk products, and alcohol from one’s diet, doing so could lead to significant health benefits.
Instead of relying on these potentially harmful foods and drinks, consider focusing on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans. The American Heart Association recommends these foods as part of a heart-healthy diet that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. By making mindful food choices, you can take proactive steps towards a longer, healthier life.
Making the Change
Changing your diet is no small feat, especially when it involves giving up foods and drinks that are deeply ingrained in our daily routines. However, the potential health benefits are well worth the effort. Start by gradually reducing your intake of these harmful foods and replacing them with healthier alternatives. For instance, swap out sodas for water or herbal teas, and replace fast food meals with homemade dishes rich in whole foods.
Remember, the goal isn’t to achieve perfection overnight but to make sustainable changes that will benefit your health in the long run. With time and commitment, you can transition to a healthier diet that supports your overall well-being and reduces your risk of chronic diseases.
Conclusion
The foods and drinks you choose to consume have a profound impact on your health and longevity. By following Dr. Jeremy London’s advice to avoid fast food, soft drinks, milk products, and alcohol, you can take significant steps towards improving your health. Focus on a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods that support heart health and overall wellness. The journey to better health begins with the choices you make today.
