From Surviving to Thriving: Galectin-3 and Modified Citrus Pectin

modified citrus pectin
Modified Citrus Pectin can help your body shift out of a fight or flight response in order to heal on a deeper level.

Most of our modern, chronic diseases are linked to unresolved inflammation, and we want to target inflammation as a strategy of healthy living. But inflammation, although present in many different conditions, is not a disease in itself – it is simply a survival response.

So, what actually drives inflammation? What is it that causes the vicious cycle of an ongoing inflammatory response that in turn causes more damage and disease?

Keep reading to find out the role of Galectin-3 in the body.

What You Need to Know About Galectin-3

What is Galectin-3?

Galectin-3 is a master protein produced by the body that oversees our biochemical alarm system. It plays an important role in the balance between health and disease because this protein dictates how our body responds to stress.

Galectin-3 is activated when we experience a sudden threat, whether physical, emotional, mental, or psychological. It’s also activated in cases of injury, infection, or illness. Once activated, it turns on multiple pathways that initiate inflammation.

What is Galectin-3 supposed to do to benefit the body?

This protein is a survival mechanism. It triggers the inflammation which is necessary for the initial stages of injury repair. However, if the alarm fails to properly turn off after the threat subsides, Galectin-3 can get out of control, causing more inflammation rather than healing.

Why does inflammation happen?

This is due to our nervous system being stuck in “fight or flight,” which is when we experience a sense of not feeling safe. This feeling translates all the way down to the cellular level, changing the metabolism and function of our cells.

Modern, high stress lifestyles with lots of stimulation coupled with exposure to radiation, EMFs and environmental toxins throw us into survival mode on a regular or on-going basis. This results in an unhealthy expression of Galectin-3, causing our bodies to live on high alert – like an alarm that never gets shut off. And this in turn fuels even more galectin-3 production, forming a perpetually closed loop system of chronic inflammation.

Galectin-3 and Biofilms

If that wasn’t enough, Galectin-3 is also used in the formation of biofilms, or isolated microcosms of damage, infection or toxic buildup. Multiple galectin-3 molecules bind to ligands and come together to form a lattice-like structure that shields itself from the body’s defenses.

This protective barrier is known as a biofilm, and inside, diseases can develop undetected and remain protected from treatments and therapeutic agents. Pathogens, like fungi, bacteria and viruses, parasites, infectious agents, also use galectin-3 to create a shield around themselves so they can evade the immune system.

While Galectin-3 is needed in the body for injury repair and survival when the body is in crisis, we cannot heal properly or thrive when we remain stuck in survival mode. To heal, the person and their cells must shift away from a state of survival towards a state of relaxation, balance and safety. The nervous system must believe it is safe.

Practices like meditation, breathing exercises, acupuncture, limbic retraining, healing sessions like craniosacral or sound therapy are mind-body practices that help sooth our nerves and reduce inflammation, helping our bodies to relax and turn off fight or flight.

In addition to these practices, certain supplements can also help support the immune system and gastrointestinal health. One such product is Premier Research LabsGalactan Immune-Supporting Fiber and Gastrointestinal Support, which contains a blend of ingredients designed to promote healthy immune function and support the gut.

Modified Citrus Pectin

Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is a natural compound that quiets our alarm system and normalizes cell function by blocking unhealthy expression of galectin-3. Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) by Allergy Research Group is an excellent source for this compound. MCP is a low-molecular weight form of pectin, a fiber found in fruits like apples and citrus. Regular pectin is not absorbed into the bloodstream, because it is too large, and therefore stays in the gut and cannot block galectin-3.

Modified citrus pectin, however, is reduced in size to 3 to 13 kilodaltons (regular pectin is 200-300 kilodaltons) and the smaller sized molecules are able to enter the bloodstream and access the entire body. The specific structure of MCP allows it to bind to galectin-3 and block its devastating effects. MCP interferes with the inflammatory process by binding to galectin-3 and thus preventing it from initiating or perpetuating an inflammatory cascade. It also dissolves biofilms and binds to heavy metals and toxins to safely remove them from the body.

Because of its ability to block galectin-3, MCP benefits multiple systems in the body. It has been featured in over 70 clinical studies and has been shown to help improve insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. It also works as an antioxidant and promotes mitochondrial health. By reducing inflammation and fibrosis, it inhibits the driving force for autoimmune and degenerative diseases. This same mechanism helps with post illness or post injury healing.

One of the most effective and clinically proven forms of MCP was discovered by Dr Isaac Eliaz, author of the book The Survival Paradox (which inspired this article) and recognized expert in the field of integrative medicine, respected clinician, researcher, educator and mind-body practitioner. During his 30 years of experience, Dr. Eliaz has been successfully adding MCP to his treatment protocols, finding it effective for many conditions, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Inflammation
  • Cancer
  • Toxic exposure to mold and heavy metals

His patented formulation of MCP is known as Pectasol by EcoNugenics.

Conclusion

So, again, what is Galectin-3? It is a master protein maintaining the balance between health and disease, dictating how the body responds to stress, injury, infection, and illness by initiating inflammation. However, Galectin-3 can remain activated too long due to chronic stress or environmental factors. This can lead to persistent inflammation and the formation of biofilms, contributing to various chronic diseases However, Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) can effectively block the unhealthy expression of Galectin-3, helping the body shift from a state of survival to a state of healing and thriving.

 

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