Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London has spent more than 25 years in the operating room, but lately he has become just as familiar to people on social media. He is known for breaking down heart health in a blunt, easy-to-understand way, from daily routines to food choices that quietly add up over time. In a recent post, he shared six things he personally avoids to help lower the risk of coronary heart disease, a condition tied to a huge share of deaths worldwide.
At the top of his list is smoking, which he frames as one of the most damaging choices for the cardiovascular system. He stresses that the risk looks even worse for anyone who already has a history of heart problems or is prone to artery buildup. What worries him just as much is how common e-cigarettes have become, since many people treat them like a safer option. He points to emerging research that suggests vaping may still affect heart and blood vessel function in concerning ways.
Alcohol is another item he has stepped away from, saying he quit three years ago and found the change deeply life altering. While he acknowledges that drinking is a personal decision, he argues that people often soften the reality of what alcohol does to the body. Even small, routine amounts can feel harmless simply because they are socially normal. His broader point is that what feels typical is not always what supports long term health.
He also avoids carbonated and sweetened drinks, calling them a modern trap because calories and sugar are easy to underestimate when they come in liquid form. Sugary beverages can add up quickly without creating the same fullness as food. For many people, that makes them an invisible habit rather than an intentional treat.
One surprising entry on his list is alcohol based mouthwash. He suggests that aggressively wiping out oral bacteria can disrupt the natural balance in the mouth, and he highlights a possible link to higher blood pressure in some people. Those who are already sensitive to elevated blood pressure may want to be especially mindful of what they use daily.
He steers clear of refined white flour products like white bread and pasta because processing strips away much of the fiber and key nutrients. In their place, he leans toward whole grains, which are typically richer in the components that support steadier energy, blood sugar control, and heart friendly eating patterns.
Finally, he warns against ultraprocessed foods and offers a simple rule of thumb that has resonated widely. The longer a product lasts on a shelf, the more cautious he would be about making it a staple. He encourages choosing whole foods more often, especially items with minimal processing and short ingredient lists, since this approach supports the heart and is also linked to lower risk of other serious diseases.
Which of these swaps feels most realistic for you, and which one would be the hardest to change? Share your thoughts in the comments.
