Heart surgeon outlines dietary steps for better cardiac health

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London said focusing on whole foods, staying hydrated and limiting alcohol can support heart health, advice he highlighted in an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for about one in five deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. London, who practices in Savannah, Georgia, said nutrition is a major component of cardiovascular risk and that a practical, balanced approach can be effective for many people.

London described an "80/20" approach in which roughly 80% of eating consists of whole, unprocessed foods while allowing more flexibility the remaining 20% of the time. "If I can eat whole foods 80% of the time, that's a win for me," he said. He also emphasized hydration and advised prioritizing water over beverages with alcohol or excessive sugar.

From a clinical standpoint, he advised people with high cholesterol or other heart-related conditions to limit foods high in saturated fat. He noted that dietary contributions to blood cholesterol are less significant than previously believed for most people but that some individuals are "hyper responders" and should be more restrictive.

The long-running debate over eggs and cholesterol has shifted in recent years as studies have shown eggs can be part of a healthy diet for many people. London called eggs a "wonderful nutritional source" of protein and certain vitamins and minerals, while advising moderation for those with specific lipid disorders or other medical reasons to restrict dietary cholesterol.

He warned against refined flours and added sugars, saying there is a "direct correlation between blood glucose and triglyceride levels." Elevated triglycerides and deranged glucose metabolism are associated with higher cardiovascular risk, and dietary patterns that limit refined carbohydrates can be part of risk reduction.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's federal dietary guidelines align with many of these recommendations. The guidelines suggest filling half of a plate with fruits and vegetables, making at least half the grains whole grains, varying lean sources of protein, and including low-fat or fat-free dairy. They recommend limiting added sugars, sodium and saturated fats.

Exercise and overall lifestyle remain part of the broader strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk. London noted that diet is one component, and combining good nutrition with regular physical activity can produce better outcomes than either measure alone.

London called alcohol a "personal choice" but added that it can be harmful at the cellular level, saying in the interview that it is "really toxic to every cell in the body." He recommended limiting alcohol intake and said some people may choose to remove it altogether as part of a heart-healthy plan.

Medical authorities advise that individuals with specific conditions, particularly diabetes, hypercholesterolemia or established cardiovascular disease, consult their health care providers before making substantial changes to diet or following a general plan such as the 80/20 approach. Clinical recommendations can vary based on individual risk factors and medication use.

Public health data continue to underscore the scale of cardiovascular disease in the United States and the potential for lifestyle measures, including diet and exercise, to lower that burden. London's comments add to guidance that emphasizes whole foods, moderation and individualized care as part of long-term cardiac prevention.