by Your heart is one hard-working muscle, but some of the things we eat and drink every day might be secretly sabotaging it. Sure, we all know smoking, sitting around too much, and greasy diets aren’t doing us any favors. But Dr. Jeremy London, a well-known cardiac surgeon, has pointed out four specific things that could be quietly harming your heart health — and they’re probably in your fridge or daily routine right now.
Let’s break them down.
1. Fast Food 🍔
It’s quick, cheap, and everywhere… but fast food is a straight-up nightmare for your heart. Dr. London says most of it isn’t even real food — it’s ultra-processed products loaded with chemicals, unhealthy fats, and additives. These so-called “edible food-like substances” have been linked to chronic inflammation, clogged arteries, and higher risks of heart disease. So, while that late-night burger might hit the spot, your heart definitely isn’t loving it.
2. Soft Drinks 🥤
Soda lovers, brace yourselves. Dr. London calls soft drinks — both regular and diet — “liquid death.” Why? Because one can of soda packs around 10 teaspoons of sugar, according to cardiologists. That’s enough to send your blood sugar and triglycerides through the roof. Over time, this raises your risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. And no, swapping to “diet” versions doesn’t save you — artificial sweeteners bring their own health risks.
Forget about thinking diet is healthier (Witthaya Prasongsin / getty)
3. Milk (Yes, Milk!) 🥛
This one surprises a lot of people. Dr. London argues humans are the only species that regularly drink another animal’s milk into adulthood — and it’s not doing our hearts any favors. While milk has calcium and protein, it’s also often high in saturated fat, which the British Heart Foundation warns can raise cholesterol levels and increase your chances of heart attack or stroke. Plant-based alternatives might be a friendlier choice for your arteries.
Milk contains a lot of fat (Oscar Wong / getty)
4. Alcohol 🍷🥃
A glass of wine at dinner might sound “heart-healthy,” but Dr. London says that’s mostly a myth. Alcohol, even in moderation, is toxic to your cells and organs. Research once suggested small amounts were protective, but many of those studies were funded by the alcohol industry, making them questionable at best. In reality, regular alcohol use raises blood pressure, damages the liver, and puts extra stress on your heart.
Alcohol is terrible for your health (Olga Pankova / getty)
🫀 Final Thoughts
The truth? Your heart doesn’t need fast food, soda, whole milk, or alcohol. But don’t panic — enjoying something once in a while won’t kill you. What matters is keeping these things in check and focusing on balance. If you’re unsure what’s safe for your body, it’s always smart to check with your doctor.
Your heart works nonstop for you — give it the fuel it deserves.
