4 “Healthy” Habits That Might Be Harming You, According to a Leading Heart Surgeon
We all try to build routines that help us stay fit, energized, and disease-free—but what if some of the habits we consider healthy are quietly sabotaging our long-term well-being?
Dr. Jeremy London, a respected heart surgeon and viral health educator with over half a million followers on TikTok, is challenging the status quo with a bold claim: four common everyday practices could be silently damaging your heart, gut, and overall health.
Whether you’re starting your day with mouthwash, grabbing a processed snack, or winding down with a glass of wine, it might be time to rethink some choices we’ve come to accept as “normal.”
🚫 1. Toss the Mouthwash – Seriously
You might think rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to keep your mouth clean, but Dr. London says it could be doing more harm than good.
The issue? Most mouthwashes don’t discriminate—they kill both harmful and helpful bacteria in your mouth. And since the mouth is the gateway to your gut, disrupting this bacterial balance can have a ripple effect on your digestive system and immune health. Alcohol-based mouthwashes are especially harsh and may throw your gut microbiome off track.
🚬 2. Smoking: No “Safe” Amount Exists
It’s no surprise that smoking made the list. Dr. London underscores the fact that tobacco use is still one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of disease globally.
Smoking doesn’t just affect your lungs—it directly damages your blood vessels, raises your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and contributes to more than 20 types of cancer. “There’s no safe level of tobacco,” Dr. London warns. Quitting, he says, is one of the single most powerful moves you can make for your health.
🍷 3. Rethink That Daily Drink
While many believe the occasional drink is harmless—or even beneficial—Dr. London takes a much firmer stance. “Alcohol is toxic to every cell in the human body,” he states, adding that even moderate consumption has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
His advice? Eliminate alcohol entirely if possible. It’s not just about liver damage—alcohol can weaken your cardiovascular system, disrupt sleep, and impair brain function over time.
🥪 4. Processed Foods: Convenience with a Cost
From frozen dinners to snack bars and deli meats, processed foods are a major staple in modern diets. But according to Dr. London, their long-term health risks far outweigh their convenience.
Packed with added sugars, unhealthy fats, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, processed foods have been linked to chronic inflammation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even bowel cancer. The fewer processed items you eat, the better your body can perform and recover.
💡 Final Thoughts: Small Habits, Big Impact
Dr. London’s message is clear: some of the most routine parts of our lives may be silently contributing to disease and poor health. By becoming more mindful of what we eat, drink, and put into (or onto) our bodies, we can protect not just our hearts, but our entire system.
Preventive health isn’t just about hitting the gym or counting calories—it’s about understanding the hidden effects of everyday actions. If these four habits are part of your routine, it might be time to rethink them. Your body will thank you.