Heart Surgeon Outlines Foods to Favor and Avoid for Better Cardiac Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for about one in five deaths, and nutrition is a central modifiable factor in reducing risk, a cardiothoracic surgeon told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Jeremy London of Savannah, Georgia, said patients should focus on whole foods, limit processed items and watch alcohol intake as practical steps that can improve cardiac outcomes. He recommended an approach of eating whole foods about 80% of the time as a reasonable, sustainable goal and urged attention to hydration.

London told viewers that dietary recommendations can be sensitive because individuals respond differently to specific diets, but broad guidelines apply widely. For people with high cholesterol or other cardiovascular risk factors, he advised limiting foods high in saturated fat. He noted that some items once thought uniformly harmful, such as eggs, can be part of a heart-healthy diet for most people and described eggs as a “wonderful nutritional source,” while acknowledging that a minority of “hyper responders” should be cautious.

The surgeon also highlighted the link between refined carbohydrates and adverse lipid and glucose effects, urging patients to reduce refined flours and sugars. “There’s a direct correlation between blood glucose and triglyceride levels,” he said, adding that exercise complements dietary changes to improve overall cardiac risk profiles.

Public health recommendations align with many of those suggestions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s federal dietary guidelines recommend filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables, making at least half of grain choices whole grains, varying lean protein sources and including low-fat or fat-free dairy. The guidelines also advise limiting added sugars, sodium and saturated fat.

WebMD and other medically reviewed sources have described the 80/20 rule — eating healthfully most of the time while allowing occasional indulgences — as a flexible strategy that can support weight management and adherence to healthier patterns. London said that balance, rather than perfection, is key: if whole foods make up most meals, occasional deviations are manageable without derailing long-term goals.

Hydration figured into London’s advice as well. He recommended prioritizing water and cutting back on alcohol, which he described as broadly toxic to the body’s cells. He added that alcohol remains a personal choice, but that patients should be informed about its effects on cardiovascular and overall health.

Clinicians caution that individual medical conditions affect dietary choices. People with diabetes, severe hyperlipidemia or other chronic conditions should consult their physicians or dietitians before adopting specific eating plans, including the 80/20 approach. Tailored therapy may include stricter limits on saturated fats or refined carbohydrates and consideration of medications when lifestyle changes are insufficient.

Lifestyle modification remains a pillar of cardiovascular prevention alongside medical treatment when needed. Nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate hydration and avoidance of tobacco are consistent components of guidelines from major health organizations aimed at reducing the burden of heart disease nationwide.

Medical professionals say that while no single food guarantees protection, focusing on nutrient-dense, minimally processed choices and maintaining overall balance can lower risk factors associated with heart disease and support long-term health.