Cancer of the testicles is a terrifying disease, and yet Texas local Tom Arguello believes that it saved his life. He suffered from obesity, stage II hypertension, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatty liver disease — and to make matters worse — he was also diagnosed with testicular cancer precisely two weeks before his 37th birthday.
For most cancer-diagnosed patients, the initial reaction would be to follow the treatment recommendations of their doctors. Arguello, on the other hand, “walked out” of his doctor’s office upon learning that the only treatment they could offer him involved chemotherapy, radiation, and other traditional methods. From that point on, he was on a mission to find an alternative cure for his disease.
“The first thing I did was to completely eliminate all fast food, junk food, fake food and anything processed,” said Arguello. “I consumed over a liter of raw, homemade green juice every day without fail and began to eat clean, scratch-made meals,” and his health changed for the best.
Although there is not enough scientific evidence to support his claims, choosing to live a healthier lifestyle and following a plant-based diet did wonders in keeping his cancer at bay, as well as lowering his cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels.
New Hope Medical Center is not encouraging anyone to go against a doctor’s medical endorsements. However, if you are concerned about your testicles’ health, take a page from Arguello’s book and follow a nutritious, balanced diet. It may help prevent or manage dangerous health conditions and overall health.
What to Eat for Healthy Testicles
Certain foods and nutrients may present benefits in protecting the testicles from damage. These include:
- Antioxidants: One prominent model of cancer development is that high levels of oxidative stress and inflammation lead to cancer and several other diseases. Antioxidant-rich foods are great for reducing inflammation and include brightly colored organic vegetables like red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and sweet potatoes. For fruits, choose organic grapes, tomatoes, berries, cherries, and pomegranate.
- Garlic and Onion: Extracts of these pungent and delicious flavors were shown to protect against oxidative damage to the testicles of mice.
- Selenium: A deficiency in selenium leads to serious diseases, including male infertility disorders, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant found in wild salmon, sardines, and shrimp. If you are not fond of seafood or would prefer a vegan option, selenium is also present in Brazil Nuts, seeds, and green vegetables.
- Vitamin B5: According to a Japanese study, vitamin B5 showed potential in improving sperm motility, increasing blood levels of testosterone, and overall improved testicular function in rats. Sunflower seeds, corn, broccoli, mushrooms, and avocados are just some of the excellent sources of the B5 vitamin.
- Zinc: A study claims that zinc protects against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity. Oysters, red meat, poultry, and pumpkin seeds that have been soaked to remove phytic acid are good sources of zinc.
Opting for good nutrition is one of the numerous ways men can take better care of themselves and reduce their risk of testicular diseases, including cancer. To learn more about the male reproductive organ, read Five Facts Men Should Know About Their Testicles.