The most serious risks to heart safety are frequently incorporated into daily activities. Certain behaviors can be truly charging, but they also subtly strain the cardiovascular system and general health, raising the risk of disease over time.
After decades of working as a cardiologist, Dr. Jeremy London, a 25-year-experienced cardiothoracic surgeon, has identified four habits he actively avoids. These insights have been developed by years of firsthand exposure to what actually compromises long-term cardiovascular health. The cardiac surgeon emphasizes in an Instagram video posted on January 14 that these behaviors are actively harmful to your health and well-being and present significant long-term health risks.
Smoking
Dr. London refrains from all types of smoking, including tobacco, vaping, and marijuana, saying that it is one of the worst things one can do to the body, having negative effects that affect almost every organ system. “We know that smoking cigarettes is one of the single worst things you can do for your entire body,” he says. It significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. However, smoking anything—including marijuana or vaping—is risky. Don’t smoke, please.
Sedentary lifestyle
The cardiac surgeon claims that leading a sedentary lifestyle has major risks for health, making regular exercise crucial for both preserving physical fitness and promoting long-term mental wellbeing. “Whether it’s a structured exercise program with aerobic and strength training or a consistent 10 to 15 minute walk after meals,” he stresses. For both my physical and mental well-being, daily movement is imortant.
Ultra-processed and processed foods
In order to market general health and longevity, Dr. London emphasizes a nutrient-rich, balanced diet that focueses on whole foods and minimizes processed and ultra-processed foods. “My family and I try to prioritize a healthy whole foods nutritional plan, but life gets in the way,” he emphasizes. It’s a victory if we can achieve our objectives 80% of the time. Consider carefully what you put in your mouth.
Alcohol
Dr. London stresses that alcohol is poisonous to almost every cell in the body and that stopping it has had a imortant effect on his general health and wellness. He says that giving up alcohol has completely changed his life. “We know that alcohol is toxic to every cell in the body, and it just didn’t make sense to me to exercise regularly and have a thoughtful nutritional plan and then actively poison my body,” he says. It raises the risk of GI, breast, and head and neck cancers. Drinking alcohol is a personal decision. Just give it some thought.
FAQ’S
1. What are the 4 daily habits that harm your health?
The 4 habits that can silently damage your health are smoking, leading a sedentary lifestyle, consuming ultra-processed foods, and drinking alcohol.
2. Why is smoking so harmful to the body?
Smoking—whether cigarettes, vaping, or marijuana—affects almost every organ, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses, and significantly compromises overall health.
3. How does a sedentary lifestyle impact heart health?
A sedentary lifestyle strains the cardiovascular system, increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, and mental health issues. Regular exercise or even short daily walks help maintain heart health.
4. Are processed and ultra-processed foods really bad for the heart?
Yes. Consuming ultra-processed foods increases inflammation, raises cholesterol levels, and contributes to long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health risks.
5. What are the effects of alcohol on long-term health?
Alcohol is toxic to almost every cell in the body. Regular consumption raises the risk of heart disease, liver damage, and cancers, while quitting it can significantly improve overall health and longevity.
6. Can small changes in these habits make a difference?
Absolutely. Replacing harmful habits with healthy alternatives, like regular movement, a nutrient-rich diet, and abstaining from smoking or alcohol, can drastically improve heart and overall health over time.
7. Who is Dr. Jeremy London?
Dr. Jeremy London is a cardiothoracic surgeon with 25 years of experience, who has shared his expertise on maintaining long-term cardiovascular health through lifestyle choices.
