When it comes to maintaining good health, there are many factors to consider, but a well-balanced diet stands out as one of the most crucial. Renowned heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London, who has gained significant popularity on TikTok for sharing valuable health advice, recently posted a video highlighting four types of foods that can be harmful to our bodies.
**Fast Food**
Topping the list of foods to avoid is fast food, which Dr. London describes as an "edible food product” rather than real, nutritious food. He emphasizes that fast food lacks essential nutrients and is packed with unhealthy additives. A 2017 article in the *American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine* supports this, noting that fast food is high in calories but low in nutritional value. These foods often contain synthetic ingredients, chemicals, corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, and coloring agents, all of which can negatively impact our health.
**Soft Drinks**
Dr. London, who has nearly 400,000 TikTok followers, refers to soft drinks as "liquid death.” These beverages are loaded with sugar, which can contribute to obesity and diabetes. Even diet sodas, often perceived as a healthier alternative, can disrupt metabolism and increase hunger. Research, including a study from UCLA Health, backs this up, showing that drinking just one can of soda per day can raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
**Milk Products**
The heart surgeon also warns against milk products, calling them harmful to our bodies. He points out that humans are the only mammals that consume milk beyond infancy, and even more unusually, the milk of other species. Milk products are high in saturated fats, which are linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine notes that dairy consumption has been associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Dr. London recommends limiting or avoiding milk products altogether.
**Alcohol**
Dr. London doesn’t mince words when it comes to alcohol, calling it "absolutely toxic to every cell in our bodies.” He stresses that even moderate or occasional drinking can be harmful. "If we’re working hard to optimize our health, the least we can do is stop actively poisoning our bodies,” he says.
Instead of consuming these harmful foods and drinks, Dr. London advises focusing on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods like beans and whole grains. By making these healthier choices, we can take significant steps toward improving our overall well-being.
