After 25 years of experience in the operating theatre, a cardiac surgeon has revealed why he will never touch alcohol.
Doctor Jeremy London took to TikTok to explain that in treating the “end game” of so many chronic diseases, he has witnessed the adverse effects of booze on the body first-hand. “When I get there [old age] I want to have the deck truly stacked in my favour,” he began in a video.
Backing his stance up with science, he continued: “Alcohol is toxic to every cell in our bodies and it no longer made sense to me to have a consistent exercise programme and a strong nutritional plan – but then consciously poison my body.”
The doctor went on to list several benefits of being completely sober, adding that being alcohol-free boosts mental clarity, and results in better sleep and higher levels of productivity. “That’s the secret sauce,” he stressed.
“Sobriety offers all that alcohol promises,” he closed, before leaving any decision in the hands of his 474,000 followers. “In the end, it’s your body, your rules, your choice,” Dr London said. “But educate yourselves, be thoughtful, and be kind to your bodies.”
The reaction from those followers was split, however, as they shared their own experiences. “Drank pretty heavy for the last 7-8 years,” one person responded. “Lots of beer. Caused me to be in AFIB constantly and over time weakened my heart. Now I have congestive heart failure – I just turned 27.”
A second enthused: “I’ve never had a drinking problem… but I never felt good after an evening of wine or beer. Gave it up about a 1.5 years ago and I don’t miss it one bit… and I feel great!” Whilst a third confessed: “I stopped 12 years ago at 40. In fact I knew all along I was poisoning my body and had to stop.”
Conversley, however, one person added: “My grandma had 2 glasses of Chianti everyday until 98.. seemed to be fine for her.” And a second, who “tested” quitting alcohol, claimed: “I went sober for six months once, not a big drinker, just wanted to test this theory. Didn’t notice any difference in my day to day, energy was same, sleep was same. Alcohol just makes me more social.”
Backing up Dr London’s advice, meanwhile, the NHS lists several health benefits – both short and long-term – of drinking less.
Short-term benefits:
- feeling better in the mornings
- being less tired and more energetic
- better-looking skin
- saving some money
Long-term benefits:
- lower blood pressure
- lower risk of stroke, hypertension, cancer and liver disease
- lower cholesterol levels
- better mood, memory and quality of sleep
- help with weight management