Have you ever wondered what a heart surgeon avoids to keep his own health in check? Dr. Jeremy London, a respected cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon based in Georgia, recently shared his insights on lifestyle choices that many of us might overlook. In an enlightening TikTok video that has garnered over 3.4 million views, Dr. London reveals the four things he consciously avoids to protect himself from heart disease, strokes, and cancer. Let’s delve into these insights and understand the science behind them.

Why Should We Rethink Our Mouthwash Choices?

Dr. London warns against alcohol-based mouthwashes, pointing out a lesser-known risk: their potential to increase blood pressure. It turns out these mouthwashes can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in our mouths, which play a crucial role in producing nitric oxide—a vital molecule that helps relax blood vessels. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to hypertension.

A 2022 study provides “unequivocal evidence” that antiseptic mouthwash can suppress nitric oxide production and raise blood pressure. Moreover, research from Belgium links habitual use of these mouthwashes to increased levels of harmful bacteria associated with colon cancer. So, next time you’re freshening your breath, consider choosing a mouthwash free from alcohol to maintain a healthier oral microbiome.

Is Vaping Really As Harmless As It Seems?

You might think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, but Dr. London strongly disagrees. In his view, nicotine—whether from cigarettes or vapes—poses significant health risks. It directly damages the lining of blood vessels, which can lead to clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Smoking and vaping can both cause atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by hardened arteries and plaque buildup.

Research from the American Heart Association in 2022 reveals that both smoking and vaping can immediately increase blood pressure and heart rate, factors that strain the heart. While we have decades of research on smoking’s dangers, the emerging data on vaping is painting a similar, troubling picture.

What’s the Big Deal with Ultra-Processed Foods?

Dr. London is also wary of ultra-processed foods, and for good reason. These foods are packed with saturated fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, all of which can lead to increased cholesterol levels, narrowed arteries, and a host of chronic health issues like obesity, diabetes, and cancer. A 2021 study highlights that each additional daily serving of ultra-processed food can raise the risk of heart disease by seven percent.

The message is clear: “You are what you eat.” By being mindful of our nutritional choices, we can provide our bodies with the essential building blocks needed for optimal health.

Should We Really Skip the Nightcap?

Even moderate alcohol consumption is in Dr. London’s crosshairs. He explains that as alcohol is metabolized, it breaks down into acetaldehyde, a compound toxic to every cell in the body. This chemical can damage DNA and impede the body’s ability to repair that damage, potentially leading to cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify acetaldehyde as a Group 2B carcinogen, indicating that while evidence in humans is limited, animal studies show a definite link to cancer. Dr. London notes that abstaining from alcohol has given him increased mental clarity, better sleep, and high productivity—benefits he dubs as “the secret sauce” to a thriving life.

By avoiding these four lifestyle choices, Dr. London sets a compelling example of preventive care. His insights remind us that seemingly small decisions can have profound impacts on our long-term health. So, the next time you’re reaching for mouthwash, contemplating a vape, choosing dinner, or pouring a drink, consider Dr. London’s advice and make choices that support your heart and overall well-being.