In the age of social media, medical professionals are increasingly turning to platforms like TikTok to raise awareness about lifestyle choices that shape long-term health. Among them is Dr. Jeremy London, a respected heart surgeon with more than 550,000 followers, who recently shared four common habits most people don’t think twice about — but should seriously reconsider.

Dr. London’s message is clear: what we do every day has a cumulative effect on our bodies, and avoiding certain harmful routines can significantly lower the risk of chronic disease.

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1. Using Mouthwash Daily – A Hidden Disruptor

Mouthwash is marketed as a quick fix for fresher breath and better oral hygiene, but Dr. London cautions against its routine use.

“Stop using mouthwash. This is one thing that I absolutely avoid as a cardiac surgeon,” he explains.

The reasoning lies in the delicate balance of bacteria. Our mouths harbor trillions of microbes, many of which are beneficial. They aid in digestion, help regulate nitric oxide production (important for blood pressure), and play a role in maintaining gut health. Alcohol-based mouthwashes in particular wipe out these good bacteria, leading to imbalance.

Emerging research supports this view. A study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2019) found that using antibacterial mouthwash twice daily was linked to elevated blood pressure due to reduced nitric oxide availability.

So, while mouthwash may leave you feeling fresh, its long-term impact may outweigh short-term benefits. Regular brushing, flossing, and staying hydrated remain the cornerstones of oral health.

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2. Smoking Tobacco – The Most Destructive Habit

Smoking remains one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide, and Dr. London doesn’t mince words:

“Smoking tobacco is the worst thing you can do to yourself. It directly injures the lining of blood vessels, increases the chance of atherosclerosis and blockages, and causes cancer.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) echoes this, identifying tobacco as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and at least 20 forms of cancer.

On a biological level, smoking accelerates the narrowing of arteries, damages lung tissue, and promotes systemic inflammation. For heart surgeons like Dr. London, the consequences are tragically clear: countless patients with smoking-related complications face bypass surgery, stent placements, or worse — conditions that could have been prevented.

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3. Drinking Alcohol – No Safe Dose

Alcohol has long been socially accepted, with myths of “red wine being good for the heart” persisting for years. But Dr. London firmly dismisses this idea.

“It’s toxic to every cell in your body,” he says, adding that even the smallest amounts raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Recent medical consensus backs this up. A 2023 meta-analysis in The Lancet Public Health concluded that no level of alcohol consumption can be considered completely safe. Risks include liver disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and increased incidence of several cancers.

The key danger lies in alcohol’s ability to damage DNA, impair cellular repair, and weaken heart muscle over time. What might seem like an innocent evening drink can slowly erode the foundation of long-term health.

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4. Consuming Processed Foods – A Slow Poison

Convenience has its cost, and heavily processed foods are among the biggest culprits in modern diets. From sugary snacks and refined grains to packaged ready-meals, these products are often high in trans fats, sodium, preservatives, and added sugars.

Dr. London advises people to limit or eliminate processed foods entirely.

“A balanced diet is the key to a healthy body and mind. Processed foods are the opposite of balance.”

The National Health Service (NHS) warns that overconsumption of processed foods is linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and bowel cancer. Highly processed products also disrupt satiety signals, making people overeat while still lacking essential nutrients.

Replacing processed foods with whole, nutrient-dense options — fresh vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, and seeds — has been shown to lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and enhance mental well-being.

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A Surgeon’s Perspective on Prevention

What makes Dr. London’s message so compelling is his vantage point. As a cardiac surgeon, he sees firsthand the outcomes of years of unhealthy living: clogged arteries, damaged hearts, and lives cut short. His advice is not abstract theory but rooted in the sobering reality of surgical practice.

In his TikTok videos, Dr. London emphasizes that prevention is more powerful than treatment. While medical advances can repair damage, nothing compares to the benefits of avoiding harm in the first place.

“Step away from the daily habits that silently hurt your body,” he urges. “The choices you make today can either add years to your life — or take them away.”

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The Takeaway

Dr. Jeremy London’s warning against these four everyday habits — daily mouthwash use, smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming processed foods — is a reminder that small, repeated actions matter. While each habit may seem harmless in isolation, their combined effect can be devastating over time.

Choosing alternatives like natural oral hygiene practices, a smoke-free lifestyle, alcohol-free socializing, and whole-food nutrition may not be easy, but it is the surest way to protect both the heart and the mind for years to come.