Putting the Squeeze on Cancer?

Isaac Eliaz, MD, a renowned holistic physician, researcher, and author, is the founder and director of Amitabha Medical Clinic and Healing Center in Sebastopol, CA. Learn more about his unique approaches to integrative medicine, health, and healing at www.dreliaz.org or call 707-829-5900.

Q. I have heard about using modified citrus pectin as a preventative therapy for cancer. Is there any supportive research?

A. There’s still no cure for cancer. But new research looks promising. Because of its unique molecular structure, modified citrus pectin, or MCP (of the correct molecular weight and size), can easily enter the bloodstream and work throughout the body to fight cancer and address numerous other serious diseases and health concerns. For example, MCP is a powerful yet gentle natural chelator, proven to bind to and remove harmful heavy metals and environmental toxins from the body without affecting essential minerals, as many chelation therapies do. MCP is also a powerful immune modulator, proven to boost immune cells and strengthen immune function.

First, let me explain a little bit about a molecule within the body called Glectin-3 (normally present in small amounts in healthy people). Groundbreaking new studies show that excess galectin-3 molecules have a direct involvement in the process of chronic inflammation and subsequent fibrosis (uncontrolled scar tissue build up). Research shows that elevated levels of galectin-3 molecules in the body promote the growth and spread of cancer.

Here’s where MCP comes in: Pectasol-C (a proprietary form of MCP) is the only proven natural galectin-3 “blocker,” proven to bind to and block harmful galectin-3 molecules on the surface of cancer cells. This prevents them from growing, creating new blood supplies to nourish themselves (a process called angiogenesis), and metastasizing.

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have been published over the past 15 years demonstrating MCP’s potent cancer-fighting properties, mainly due to its ability to bind to excess galectin-3 molecules in the body and block their harmful effects.

Other Benefits

Elevated galectin-3 levels are also now directly linked to congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, liver fibrosis (MCP is a very important supplement for patients with chronic hepatitis), and organ failure, among other chronic diseases. This is due to the degenerative processes of inflammation and fibrosis, which are so damaging to our organs and tissues.

The good news is, there is now a new galectin-3 blood test that the FDA has approved for measuring cardiovascular disease risk and prognosis, and should be covered by most insurance. This test can also be used as a biomarker of metastatic cancer. Health Diagnostics Laboratory offers galectin-3 testing. [Call 804-343-2718 or visit www.myhdl.com to learn more.]

Dosage Guidelines

For those with concerns about cancer, cardiovascular disease, heavy metal toxicity, immune issues, or elevated circulating galectin-3 levels, the optimal dosage of MCP is 6 capsules or 5 g of powder three times per day; take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before food or one hour after food. For long-term health maintenance, use 6 capsules or 5 g of powder per day.