Spring is a common time for people to start moving more and thinking about doing a gentle detox. Here are some general recommendations and information about modified citrus pectins.
Food is one of the most important medicines we can use to re-energize and help detoxify. When we start eating more nutrient dense foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and legumes (high in fiber), it helps to balance blood glucose and insulin levels and removes those sugar cravings. Avoiding refined foods, sugars, cooked oils and trans-fats, alcohol, caffeine and preservatives reduces inflammation that make us feel sluggish and foggy headed. Keeping that healthy gut flora happy is a must so choose sauerkraut, kimchi, natto and green tea to help colonize good bacteria and aid in detoxification. Let’s not forget about water. Filtered or spring water is best. The general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces. Also, when we feel better, it motivates us to exercise and to stick with our program.
Now let’s talk about binding those toxins so they can be eliminated in the body. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) from citrus peels is a unique dietary fiber that is metabolized by intestinal bacteria to short-chain fatty acids in the colon. MCP also removes toxic metals, environmental toxins, and even radioactive isotopes from the circulatory system and digestive tract. It is a safe gentle chelating agent and does not remove essential minerals due to its structure. When you combine it with alginates, you get a more powerful effect because the alginates from seaweed prevent the reabsorption of heavy metals.
MCP is also one of the most powerful immune enhancers according to a study by Dr. Isaac Eliaz. In healthy volunteers MCP showed a healthy increase in blood cytotoxic T-cells (which fight cancer) by 160%, and it activated natural killer cells (NK-cells) 10-fold which changes the activity of cancer.
Researchers have also shown that MCP binds to Galectin-3 (Gal-3) to reverse inflammation and fibrotic changes to the heart, kidney, liver, nervous system and other tissues. Gal-3 is recognized as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for heart disease. It is easily measured in the blood and is covered by most insurance companies. It can also be used to assess cancer risk and progression.
For those with no risk factors, 5 grams per day is recommended. This will help reduce toxic heavy metals, enhance the immune system, reduce inflammation and tissue damage. Also, as we age Gal-3 naturally goes up, so MCP will help with maintenance. If you have any chronic illness, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hepatitis or elevated Gal-3 (over 15), then 15 grams a day is recommended.
Start a healthy cleanse this spring. It’s worth the investment!
References:
Dr. Eliaz, I. 3-Step Spring Detox Diet. Amazingwellnessmag.com. March 1 2017
Komen, S. Modified citrus pectin. Komen.org. 2014.
Desaulniers, V. How can modified citrus pectin halt cancer cell growth? Thetruthaboutcancer.com. June 9, 2016.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database 2013. Published by Therapeutic Research Faculty, Stockton CA.
Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, L.AC., www.modifiedcitruspectin.org