Heart surgeon Dr Jeremy London has labelled a certain drink as ‘liquid death’ and says people should avoid it entirely, along with smoking, alcohol, and refined carbs
There’s one particular drink shoppers should avoid buying as it can damage our bodies over time(Image: Luis Alvarez via Getty Images)
A prominent heart surgeon has referred to one of the world’s most popular beverages as “liquid death,” urging individuals to avoid it entirely. Dr. Jeremy London, who is board-certified in general, vascular, and thoracic surgery, emphasizes the dangers posed by this drink, paralleling its risks to smoking, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates.
Through social media and interviews, Dr. London has consistently provided medical insights, aligning himself with a growing number of health experts alarmed by the detrimental effects of soft drinks on overall wellness.
On his Instagram account, Dr. London listed “four things I absolutely avoid as a heart surgeon.” His recommendations include smoking, alcohol, refined carbohydrates like bread and pasta, and soft drinks. He stated emphatically, “Number one, smoking: no question the single worst thing you can do for your entire body. Destroys your lungs, causes lung cancer, high cardiovascular risks, heart attacks and strokes; just don’t smoke.”
Alcohol was next on his list. He expressed: “Hate to break it to you, but it’s toxic. Toxic to every cell in your body. For me, personally, removing alcohol from my life has been one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made as an adult.”
Soft drinks took the third spot on his list. He simply declared: “Liquid death. Just don’t drink them. Period.” Dr. London rounded off his advice with the recommendation to “avoid breads and pastas” and to steer clear of refined flours and wheats. He believes that “eighty percent of weight control is diet, twenty percent is exercise” and cautioned that one can easily eat more calories than they can burn through exercise.
In a subsequent discussion with Today, Dr. London reiterated his critical stance on soft drinks. He remarked, “I think that soft drinks are just a scourge in our society, and I was trying to grab some attention. High-calorie soft drinks often contain sugars that people don’t realize they’re consuming.”
He is not alone in this opinion; other respected health professionals believe that fizzy drinks pose significant health risks. In a recent podcast, Dr. William Li stated, “Soda is frequently criticized for good reason. Research shows that high consumption is linked to metabolic diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer risks.”
Dr. Li further explained, “It’s not just about the sugar; soda includes various additives, colors, flavorings, and preservatives that contribute to chronic exposure to toxins. It’s the accumulation overtime that’s concerning.”
The NHS advises parents to keep sugary fizzy drinks, flavored drinks, and juices out of children’s diets altogether due to the harmful effects on dental health. Moreover, kids who consume these sugary beverages are at a higher risk of obesity.
Instead, they recommend opting for diet, sugar-free, or no-added-sugar varieties or, even better, choosing water to stay adequately hydrated.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Jeremy London warns against soft drinks, labeling them “liquid death.”
- His list of avoided items includes smoking, alcohol, refined carbs, and soft drinks.
- High consumption of sugary drinks is linked to serious health risks.
- The NHS recommends avoiding sugary beverages for children’s health.
- Substituting with water or low-sugar alternatives is advised for better hydration.
FAQ
What makes soft drinks harmful?
Soft drinks contain high levels of sugar and various additives that can lead to chronic health issues.
Why should children avoid sugary drinks?
These beverages can harm dental health and increase the risk of obesity in children.
What are healthier alternatives to soft drinks?
Water, diet sodas, or no-added-sugar drinks are recommended as healthier options.
In summary, while many take pleasure in soft drinks, health professionals highlight the importance of being mindful of their long-term effects. Opting for healthier choices may contribute positively to overall well-being.
