Arthritis, which is not a single disease but a broad term for chronic joint pain or joint disease, impacts about 50 million people in the U.S., making it the leading cause of disability in America. As younger populations are beginning to experience arthritis and its related conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack joint linings and tissues, researchers are looking for ways to treat the disease more sustainably.
Natural Treatment: Galectin-3
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a protein found inside cells, in tissues, and circulating in the bloodstream. At normal levels, Gal-3 is essential for cellular communication, necessary tissue repair, and immunity. However, at elevated levels, it can cause severe issues. Research shows that elevated levels of Gal-3 are directly responsible for the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint destruction characteristic of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Given Gal-3’s involvement in several medical conditions, scientists have discovered that modified citrus pectin (MCP) has the unique ability to bind to and inhibit Gal-3.
Modified Citrus Pectin: Its Origin and Benefits
MCP, developed from regular citrus pectin found in the pith of citrus fruits, has been the subject of published research since the 1990s. It has been found to prevent cancer growth and metastasis by blocking excess serum Gal-3 proteins and selectively modulating the immune system.
As an integrative physician, I have been prescribing MCP for over 20 years. Patients who take MCP for only a few weeks typically report a significant reduction in joint pain, stiffness, and improved wellbeing. This was before scientists discovered Gal-3’s role in chronic inflammation and fibrosis of joints, organs, and tissues. As the body of Gal-3 research grew, scientists discovered Gal-3’s primary role in fueling inflammation and fibrosis throughout the body, making MCP’s primary mechanisms against arthritis clear.
How Modified Citrus Pectin Works
MCP is created when citrus pectin is modified through an enzymatic process to lower its molecular weight and optimize its structure, allowing it to easily absorb into the circulation and work throughout the body. It binds and blocks excess Gal-3 proteins, chelates heavy metals without affecting essential minerals, and provides immune modulating properties that make it helpful for those with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Elevated Galectin-3 Diseases
As the research on Gal-3 continues to grow and validate its role in cancer and inflammatory-fibrosis related conditions, it may help form the basis for a new class of chronic illnesses: Elevated Galectin-3 Diseases. In 2011, the FDA approved a simple Gal-3 serum test to determine risks and prognosis. If you are concerned about your Gal-3 levels, you can inquire about this test with your doctor.
A Holistic, Integrative Program
There are several types of arthritis with different causes, and researchers are still working to understand these degenerative conditions fully. A holistic, integrative program that emphasizes patients’ personal needs, such as their diet, with targeted herbs and supplements to reduce inflammation and support joint tissues, can help alleviate joint pain and enable individuals to stay active.
For more health and wellness information, visit Dr. Eliasz’s website.
