Medical research is continually finding new uses for old or pre-existing medications.
In fact, it’s not at all uncommon for a medication developed for one particular purpose to wind up being prescribed for something completely unrelated in the years that follow.
A great example of this phenomenon is a medication called naltrexone. When taken at 25-50 mg per day, naltrexone has been used since the 1980s for treating opioid and alcohol addiction.
But in much lower doses (typically 1.5-4.5 mg per day), naltrexone is yielding remarkable benefits as a treatment for a variety of chronic conditions (including autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, inflammation, and even mood disorders).
Keep reading to learn more about low dose naltrexone (also known as LDN) and how it can be used.
How Does Low Dose Naltrexone Work?
When your body experiences pain or stress, it releases two kinds of natural opioids: endorphins and enkephalins. These natural opioids activate opioid receptors within the body. When activated, these receptors help to inhibit pain and regulate mood.
When used in 25-50 mg doses (as described above) naltrexone completely blocks these opioid receptors, which is why it makes for an effective treatment for opioid addiction.
But at lower doses, when naltrexone binds only partially to these receptors, it can reduce pain, modulate the immune system, tamp down inflammation, and stabilize mood.
LDN for Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
LDN can be helpful in the treatment of autoimmune conditions due to its ability to regulate immune system activity, reduce inflammation, and reduce pain. Studies suggest LDN may be beneficial for conditions such as:
- Multiple Sclerosis—Many MS patients report reduced symptoms, improved mobility, and less fatigue when taking LDN.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis—LDN may help to decrease pain and inflammation among those suffering from RA.
- Lupus—Patients report fewer flares-up and an improved quality of life when taking LDN.
- Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis—Research indicates that LDN can reduce gut inflammation and improve symptoms among those suffering from Chrohn’s and UC.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis—LDN can reduce inflammation, pain, and chronic fatigue when taken by people struggling with Hashimoto’s.
LDN for Chronic Pain Conditions
Chronic pain is often linked to inflammation, as well as nervous system dysfunction.
LDN’s ability to increase endorphins and decrease inflammatory responses makes it a powerful option for chronic pain conditions that don’t respond well to traditional treatments. These conditions include:
- Fibromyalgia—LDN can help to regulate pain sensitivity and reduce widespread pain for those suffering from fibromyalgia.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome—Some CRPS patients report significant pain relief when taking LDN.
- Peripheral Neuropathy—By reducing nerve inflammation, LDN can ease neuropathy symptoms.
LDN for Mental Health and Neurological Disorders
LDN’s effects on brain chemistry make it useful for mental health and neurological conditions, such as:
- Depression and Anxiety—Some individuals report more stable moods and reduced anxiety when taking LDN.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—LDN may help regulate emotional responses among those struggling with PTSD.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—Some studies suggest LDN may improve social interaction and reduce irritability among those on the autism spectrum.
- Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease—LDN’s neuroprotective properties could slow disease progression among those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
More research is needed, but current evidence and patient experiences suggest that LDN has the potential to improve brain function and emotional wellbeing overall.
LDN in Cancer Treatment
Emerging research indicates low dose naltrexone may be a helpful adjunct to existing cancer treatments. Studies suggest LDN can:
- Improve Immune System Function—By modulating immune system response, LDN may help the body to more effectively fight cancer.
- Slow Tumor Growth—Some research indicates LDN may slow the growth of certain cancers.
- Improve Chemotherapy Outcomes—LDN has been used alongside standard cancer treatments to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects.
To be clear, LDN is not a cure for cancer; but it shows great promise for enhancing traditional therapies.
LDN and Weight Loss
LDN has been shown to enhance weight loss efforts on numerous fronts:
- Appetite Reduction—When taking LDN, the body produces fewer endorphins in response to eating, thereby reducing appetite.
- Decreased Inflammation—LDN tamps down the production of inflammatory cytokines, which helps to reduce insulin resistance, thereby boosting metabolism.
- Increased Growth Hormone Production—Preliminary evidence suggests LDN may promote GH production, which can help to increase fat loss.
- Improved Sleep—The link between sleep and weight loss is well documented, and preliminary evidence suggests LDN may help people to get better sleep at night.
Is LDN Safe?
Because LDN involves taking naltrexone at such low doses, it is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effect is mild sleep disturbance, which usually disappears after a few weeks.
A Well-Established Medication, New Applications
Low dose naltrexone has become a safe and promising option for individuals suffering from a variety of conditions (as noted above).
Is LDN right for you? Let’s find out. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.