Discover the daily habits a top cardiologist avoids to protect his heart
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In a world where our daily routines are often dictated by convenience and quick fixes, it's easy to overlook these habits' impact on our long-term health. But when a top heart surgeon speaks out about the everyday habits he avoids to protect his heart, it's time to sit up and take notice. Dr Jeremy London, a respected cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon from Georgia, has shared insights that could save your life.
Dr London's revelations come at a time when heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. With a career dedicated to combating this silent killer, he's identified four common practices that he steers clear of due to their devastating effects on heart health, and his advice is particularly pertinent for those of us in the over-60s bracket.
First on his list is the use of alcohol-based mouthwashes. While many of us use these products to maintain oral hygiene, Dr London warns that they could do more harm than good. The reason? These mouthwashes can kill beneficial bacteria in the mouth that are essential for producing nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and dilate blood vessels. Disrupting this process can lead to an increase in blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes.
Recent studies have supported Dr London's concerns, with research indicating that the use of antiseptic mouthwash can indeed suppress nitric oxide production and raise blood pressure. Furthermore, certain bacteria linked to colon cancer have been found in higher levels among regular users of alcohol-based mouthwashes. This connection between oral health and heart health is a reminder that our bodies are interconnected systems, and what affects one part can have consequences for another.
The second habit Dr London avoids is smoking and vaping. While the dangers of smoking are well-documented, vaping is a newer trend that's often mistakenly perceived as a safer alternative. However, Dr London emphasises that nicotine, whether from traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes, directly injures the lining of blood vessels. This can lead to blood clots, which are precursors to heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, nicotine contributes to atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
Emerging research, including a 2022 study by the American Heart Association, suggests that vaping can be just as harmful as smoking, with immediate effects on blood pressure and heart rate. These findings are particularly concerning for seniors, who may already be managing other risk factors for heart disease.
The third everyday habit Dr London limits is the consumption of ultra-processed foods. These foods are often high in saturated fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a host of health issues, including high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. A study from the American College of Cardiology found a direct correlation between ultra-processed food intake and an increased risk of heart disease. Dr London's advice is clear: be mindful of your diet, as the nutrients you consume are the building blocks for every cell in your body.
Lastly, Dr London avoids alcohol. Despite the common belief that moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle, Dr London points out that alcohol is metabolised into acetaldehyde. This toxic compound can damage DNA and inhibit its repair. This damage can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancerous tumours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify acetaldehyde as a Group 2B carcinogen, indicating that it is a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies.
By abstaining from alcohol, Dr London reports experiencing increased mental clarity, better sleep, and higher productivity – benefits that can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant life, especially as we age.
Dr London's insights serve as a powerful reminder that the choices we make every day can have a profound impact on our health. As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we have the wisdom and experience to make informed decisions about our well-being. Let's take this expert advice to heart and consider how we can adjust our habits for a healthier future.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you made any changes to your daily routine that have positively impacted your heart health? Join the conversation below and let's learn from each other's journeys toward better health.
Dr London's revelations come at a time when heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. With a career dedicated to combating this silent killer, he's identified four common practices that he steers clear of due to their devastating effects on heart health, and his advice is particularly pertinent for those of us in the over-60s bracket.
Dr Jeremy London advises against certain everyday habits due to their negative impacts on heart disease, strokes, and cancer. Credit: BrianAJackson / iStock
First on his list is the use of alcohol-based mouthwashes. While many of us use these products to maintain oral hygiene, Dr London warns that they could do more harm than good. The reason? These mouthwashes can kill beneficial bacteria in the mouth that are essential for producing nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and dilate blood vessels. Disrupting this process can lead to an increase in blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes.
Recent studies have supported Dr London's concerns, with research indicating that the use of antiseptic mouthwash can indeed suppress nitric oxide production and raise blood pressure. Furthermore, certain bacteria linked to colon cancer have been found in higher levels among regular users of alcohol-based mouthwashes. This connection between oral health and heart health is a reminder that our bodies are interconnected systems, and what affects one part can have consequences for another.
The second habit Dr London avoids is smoking and vaping. While the dangers of smoking are well-documented, vaping is a newer trend that's often mistakenly perceived as a safer alternative. However, Dr London emphasises that nicotine, whether from traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes, directly injures the lining of blood vessels. This can lead to blood clots, which are precursors to heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, nicotine contributes to atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
Emerging research, including a 2022 study by the American Heart Association, suggests that vaping can be just as harmful as smoking, with immediate effects on blood pressure and heart rate. These findings are particularly concerning for seniors, who may already be managing other risk factors for heart disease.
The third everyday habit Dr London limits is the consumption of ultra-processed foods. These foods are often high in saturated fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a host of health issues, including high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. A study from the American College of Cardiology found a direct correlation between ultra-processed food intake and an increased risk of heart disease. Dr London's advice is clear: be mindful of your diet, as the nutrients you consume are the building blocks for every cell in your body.
Lastly, Dr London avoids alcohol. Despite the common belief that moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle, Dr London points out that alcohol is metabolised into acetaldehyde. This toxic compound can damage DNA and inhibit its repair. This damage can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancerous tumours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify acetaldehyde as a Group 2B carcinogen, indicating that it is a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies.
By abstaining from alcohol, Dr London reports experiencing increased mental clarity, better sleep, and higher productivity – benefits that can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant life, especially as we age.
Dr London's insights serve as a powerful reminder that the choices we make every day can have a profound impact on our health. As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we have the wisdom and experience to make informed decisions about our well-being. Let's take this expert advice to heart and consider how we can adjust our habits for a healthier future.
