Doctor warns: sugary carbonated drinks are 'liquid death'

Leading cardiac surgeon Dr. Jeremy London has been warning against sugary carbonated drinks on social media and in interviews, calling them 'liquid death.' In an Instagram post, he listed four things he deliberately avoids: smoking, alcohol, refined flour products, and sugary carbonated drinks. He described smoking as 'without a doubt the worst thing you can do to your body' and alcohol as poison to every cell.

In an interview with 'Today,' London admitted he used the term 'liquid death' intentionally to grab attention, and believes it is appropriate. He stressed that calorie-laden drinks and the unnoticed calorie intake harm health.

Another renowned doctor and scientist, Dr. William Lee, echoed the criticism on the 'ZOE' podcast. He said most clinical and epidemiological studies show high consumption of sugary carbonated drinks is linked to increased risk of metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. However, Lee emphasized that the problem is not just sugar. These drinks contain various food additives, colorings, flavorings, preservatives, and stabilizers, whose long-term combined effect raises concerns.

Health authorities also reflect these concerns. The UK National Health Service (NHS) advises children to avoid sugary carbonated drinks and fruit juices as they contribute to tooth decay and increase obesity risk.

For proper hydration, plain drinking water remains the healthiest and safest choice.