Heart Surgeon Reveals 4 Foods You Should ‘Always Avoid’ That Will ‘Poison’ Your Body

Let’s delve deeper into the dietary advice shared by heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London, expanding on his points about foods to avoid for optimal health and longevity. He emphasizes the crucial role of diet in maintaining a healthy heart and overall well-being, suggesting that what we consume daily significantly impacts our long-term health. While individual responses to different foods can vary, Dr. London highlights four categories of food and drinks that he believes pose significant risks to health.

Fast Food: Beyond Just “Tasty” – A Chemical Cocktail

Dr. London doesn’t just dismiss fast food as unhealthy; he refers to much of it as an “edible food product,” suggesting that it lacks the nutritional value of real food. This isn’t simply about high calorie counts; it’s about the composition of these foods. A 2017 article in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine pointed out that fast foods are often loaded with chemicals, synthetic ingredients, excessive corn syrup, added sugar, artificial sweeteners, high levels of salt, and artificial coloring agents. These additives can have a range of negative effects on the body, potentially contributing to inflammation, metabolic issues, and other health problems. It’s not just the calories, but the type of calories and the accompanying chemicals that make fast food so detrimental. The convenience and affordability of fast food often mask the long-term health costs associated with its consumption.

Soft Drinks: “Liquid Death” – Sugar and Beyond

Dr. London’s description of both regular and diet sodas as “liquid death” underscores the severe health implications of these beverages. Regular sodas are packed with sugar, a known contributor to obesity, poor blood sugar control, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. As UCLA Health has reported, even just one soda per day can significantly elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This isn’t just about weight gain; the high sugar content can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to insulin resistance.

Diet sodas, while marketed as a healthier alternative, are not without their own problems. Studies have suggested that they can actually increase hunger and interfere with metabolism. The artificial sweeteners in diet sodas may trigger similar metabolic responses to regular sugar, and some research suggests potential links to other health issues. Therefore, whether it’s the high sugar content of regular soda or the artificial sweeteners in diet soda, these beverages offer little to no nutritional value and can pose significant health risks.

Milk Products: A Question of Nature and Nutrition

The consumption of milk and dairy products is a topic of ongoing debate. Dr. London highlights the fact that humans are the only mammals that continue to consume milk beyond infancy and, moreover, consume the milk of other species. This raises questions about the natural suitability of dairy for human consumption beyond a certain age. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has identified dairy products as a significant source of saturated fat in the American diet, linking this saturated fat intake to increased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

While some proponents of dairy consumption point to the calcium and other nutrients present in milk, it’s important to consider that these nutrients can be obtained from other sources. Furthermore, the potential negative impacts of saturated fat and other components in dairy may outweigh the benefits for some individuals. Dr. London’s suggestion to limit or avoid dairy products altogether reflects a growing awareness of the potential health concerns associated with dairy consumption. He suggests exploring alternative sources of calcium and other nutrients, such as plant-based options.

Alcohol: “Absolutely Toxic” – A Cellular Threat

Dr. London’s characterization of alcohol as “absolutely toxic to every cell in our bodies” emphasizes the widespread damage it can inflict. The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the same category as substances like asbestos and tobacco. This classification highlights the strong evidence linking alcohol consumption to an increased risk of various cancers. Even moderate or occasional alcohol use can have detrimental effects on health. Experts like dietitian Nichole Andrews and Dr. Waqqas Tai echo this sentiment, emphasizing the significant harm that alcohol can cause to the body. The consensus among health professionals is that the risks associated with alcohol consumption far outweigh any perceived benefits. The damage alcohol can inflict on the liver, heart, brain, and other organs makes it a substance best avoided for optimal health.

A Path to Healthier Living

Dr. London’s recommendations serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of dietary choices on our health. While changing ingrained dietary habits can be challenging, the potential benefits of eliminating or significantly reducing these four categories of food and drinks are substantial. Focusing on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, as recommended by the American Heart Association, can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. By making conscious and informed food choices, we can take proactive steps toward a longer, healthier life, minimizing the risks associated with these potentially harmful substances. It’s about making informed choices and prioritizing long-term health over short-term cravings.