Heart surgeon Dr. Jeremy London has labeled a certain popular drink as ‘liquid death’ and urges people to avoid it entirely, along with smoking, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates.
There’s one particular drink shoppers should avoid buying, as it can damage our bodies over time(Image: Luis Alvarez via Getty Images)
A heart surgeon has tagged one of the world’s most consumed beverages as “liquid death,” asserting that it should not be consumed at all.
Dr. Jeremy London, who is certified in general, vascular, and thoracic surgery, frequently shares insights on social media and in interviews. He is not alone in his concerns; numerous medical experts have highlighted the adverse effects of soft drinks on health.
In a recent Instagram post, Dr. London outlined “four items I absolutely avoid as a heart surgeon.”
These items included smoking, alcohol, breads and pastas, and soft drinks. He stated, “Number one, smoking: no question the single worst thing you can do for your entire body. Destroys your lungs, causes lung cancer, increases cardiovascular risks, heart attacks, and strokes. Just don’t smoke.”
Alcohol was ranked second on Dr. London’s list, as reported by the Mirror.
He remarked, “I hate to break it to you but it’s toxic. Toxic to every cell in your body. Your body, your rules; you decide for yourself. For me personally, eliminating alcohol has been one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made.”
Soft drinks claimed the third spot on his list. He insisted, “Liquid death. Just don’t drink them. Period. Done.” To summarize, Dr. London advised, “Avoid breads and pastas. Stay away from refined flours and wheats. Eighty percent of weight management is diet; twenty percent is exercise. You can certainly out-eat any exercise you do.”
In a follow-up interview with Today, Dr. London reaffirmed his stance on soft drinks, mentioning that his description of them as “liquid death” was meant to be eye-catching: “I think that soft drinks are truly a scourge in our society, and I was trying to raise awareness. The high calories in soft drinks often go unnoticed due to their sugar content.”
His views are echoed by other medical professionals who warn that fizzy drinks pose a more significant health threat than many realize.
Dr. William Li recently stated on the Zoe podcast, “Soda is everyone’s favorite target, and justifiably so. An abundance of clinical and public health evidence indicates that high soda consumption correlates with everything from metabolic diseases to cardiovascular issues to increases in cancer risk.”
“But is sugar the only culprit? The answer is no. Soda is more than just carbonated water; it contains various additives such as colors, flavorings, and preservatives, leading to chronic exposure to toxins over time.”
According to the NHS, children should completely avoid sugary fizzy drinks, squash, and juice drinks, as they can harm their dental health. Furthermore, children consuming high amounts of sugary beverages are more likely to become overweight.
Instead, they recommend opting for diet, sugar-free, or no-added-sugar drinks, with water being the best choice for hydration.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Jeremy London refers to certain soft drinks as “liquid death.”
- Smoking and alcohol are among the top items to avoid, according to Dr. London.
- Soft drinks can have significant adverse effects on health.
- High consumption of sodas is linked to various serious health issues.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of sugary drinks.
- Water is the best hydration choice over sugary beverages.
FAQ
Why does Dr. London advise against soft drinks?
Dr. London believes that soft drinks have detrimental effects on health, likening them to “liquid death.”
What are the risks associated with high soda consumption?
High soda consumption is linked to metabolic diseases, cardiovascular issues, and increased cancer risk.
What alternatives does the NHS recommend for hydration?
The NHS recommends opting for diet, sugar-free, or no-added-sugar drinks, with water as the best choice.
Can sugary drinks impact children’s health?
Yes, sugary drinks can harm children’s dental health and may contribute to obesity.
In summary, drinking habits play a crucial role in maintaining health, and the insights from experts like Dr. London and Dr. Li underscore the importance of choosing beverages wisely.
