I recently attended the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physician's 2012 Convention (OncANP) in Carefree, Arizona, where I presented breakthrough research to over 300 integrative Naturopathic oncologists. My lecture was on Galectin-3 as a new culprit biomarker for cancer and numerous life-threatening diseases. I also shared research on the critical role of Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) as the foremost Galectin-3 blocker and an important nutritional adjunct for supporting long term health.
OncANP is a naturopathic organization whose members specialize in the treatment of cancer. A major focus of the association is to provide members with advanced training in the rapidly expanding field of naturopathic oncology, in order to improve quality of care and patient outcome.
It’s truly rewarding to share cutting edge research with the medical community, demonstrating Galectin-3’s role as a chronic disease culprit, and Modified Citrus Pectin’s ability to promote health and prevent disease. Modified Citrus Pectin offers a number of remarkable health benefits, which include binding and blocking excess Galectin-3 molecules throughout the body.
Role of Galectin-3 Molecules
Galectin-3 is produced naturally in the body, but new research proves that elevated levels can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, metastatic cancer and organ failure. In cancer, Galectin-3 promotes tumor growth and metastasis by acting as a sticky cell surface protein allowing malignant cells to aggregate, proliferate, attract blood vessel formation and metastasize.
By binding to and blocking excess Galectin-3 molecules, Modified Citrus Pectin disables this rogue protein. In this way, Modified Citrus Pectin prevents Galectin-3 from fueling cancer and wreaking havoc throughout the body on cells, tissues and organs.
A new blood test that measures circulating levels of Galectin-3 as a risk factor in progressive heart failure is now approved by the FDA and covered by most health insurance. This test can also be used by practitioners help to determine risks of damage in other organs, including the liver, lungs, brain, kidneys, and others, as well as risk and progression of metastatic cancer.
MCP for Detoxification and Immunity
New peer-reviewed studies also demonstrate the ability of Modified Citrus Pectin to significantly enhance immune function, particularly cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Published clinical research demonstrates Modified Citrus Pectin also reduces dangerous heavy metals in the body. MCP is proven to remove lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, without lowering levels of essential minerals. (When toxic body burden is elevated, I recommend a gentle, yet highly effective heavy metal detoxification program using Modified Citrus Pectin together with an in-depth phase two detox formula, which includes sulfured botanicals, antioxidants and nutrients to support the deeper removal of toxins from tissues and organs.)
Synergistic Effects of MCP with Poly-Botanical Formulas
Groundbreaking new research also demonstrates that Modified Citrus Pectin works synergistically to inhibit aggressive cancer cell behavior, when combined with two of my advanced poly-botanical formulas: one for breast health and one for prostate health. Both the breast formula and the prostate formula have been previously researched, with multiple published studies demonstrating their abilities to slow cancer growth and metastasis without side effects. This latest in vitro synergistic study has been accepted for publication in the journal, Integrative Cancer Therapies and was shared during my lecture. The findings are extremely promising, showing that MCP in combination with either the breast or prostate formula, significantly further inhibits the metastatic processes of adhesion and migration of breast and prostate cancer cells, in a dose-dependent manner.
Honokiol for Cancer, Antioxidant and Anxiety Support
I also shared research on the powerful botanical compound, Honokiol. A large body of published data shows that Honokiol offers multiple health benefits, predominantly anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective and anti-anxiety effects. Honokiol is extracted from the bark of the Magnolia officinalis tree and is safe to use with conventional cancer therapies. Research demonstrates that Honokiol actually works synergistically with some conventional cancer therapies. It also is also shown to work synergistically with Modified Citrus Pectin for increased anti-cancer support.
The field of integrative cancer care continues to expand with cutting edge research breakthroughs and therapeutic advancements. The groundbreaking data that I shared at the 2012 OncANP event, and during other integrative medical conferences, continues to establish Modified Citrus Pectin as an important adjunct in the prevention and treatment of many serious health conditions, for which current available therapies may be limited at best.