Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Therapy
LDN aka Low-dose naltrexone is a safe drug that has proven to be beneficial in treating immune system disorders and dysfunctions. It has virtually no unpleasant side effects. LDN was initially created to assist people dealing with addictions to alcohol and opiate drugs, such as heroin. For addiction recovery, it is used in larger doses (50 mg per day), however doctors have found that smaller doses (anywhere from 1.5 mg to 4.5 mg per day) have amazing effects on the immune system .
What is LDN and How Does It Work?
Our bodies naturally create endorphins. Endorphins are peptides that are produced in the adrenal glands and the brain. They give us that rush of the feel-goods, both physically and emotionally. When our bodies release endorphins, we experience pain and stress relief, pleasure, motivation and focus, and an all over sense of well-being. Other naturally created endorphins act as natural analgesics, allowing us to get a good and healthy sleep. Low-dose naltrexone works by boosting our levels of all of these endorphins.
LDN attaches to our brains opioid receptors, which encourages our bodies to produce and release more endorphins, which in turn assist the immune system.
When your immune system becomes overactive, inflammation often occurs – inflammation is our body’s way of attacking the ‘bad’, however with immune system disorders often times there is a miscommunication and too much inflammation creates problems, rather than solving them.
LDN is a prescription medication which may help treat autoimmune diseases, central nervous system disorders, some cancers and other issues.
LDN has been used to treat multiple diseases in the US since 1988 and has general anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects demonstrated in published literature.
LDN has immunomodulatory, opiate receptor blocking and anti-tumor effects which in turn helps boost your body’s immune system and natural defenses.
LDN helps those with Hashimotos, Inflammatory bowel diseases, Psoriasis, Anxiety and Depression, PTSD/PMDD, Lyme Disease, etc.
When Our Immune System Fights Itself
We all know our immune system is important for fighting off colds, viruses, and infections, and for otherwise keeping us healthy. When we cut our finger, the immune system sends our white blood cells on a mission – to eliminate bacteria that comes into contact with that wound, don’t let the enemy through the gate! Inflammation and swelling, fever, redness, pain – these are all immune system responses. Generally, they are welcomed responses to real health issues, and completely necessary for our health and well-being. When we have immune system disorders, our own body becomes the enemy. The immune system identifies our own tissues and organs as foreign – which we know they are not. When our immune system attacks our own bodies, we begin to develop autoimmune disorders. These disorders are often painful, preventing us from living a healthy and fulfilling life – which can lead to other health risks such as depression, anxiety, diabetes, poor cardiovascular health, and much more.
There are many causes for our immune systems to begin to fight our own otherwise healthy bodies, some are natural, others are caused by external factors.
Some causes for immune system deficiencies include:
- Age, genetics, chronic stress
- Disease process like diabetes or cancer or HIV
- Medications, past or current
- Surgery and stress from recovery
- Hormonal imbalances
- Alcohol and other addictions
- Inadequate sleep and rest
- Malnutrition and poor diet and lack of exercise
- Poor sanitary conditions
What Conditions Can Low-Dose Naltrexone Therapy Treat?
Low-dose naltrexone therapy has become a popular preventative treatment, especially as we age, in order to help your immune system stay in tip-top shape to fight off things like the common cold and other viral infections, depression and anxiety, high stress, brain fog, and even cancers for those that may be at high risk.
In addition to preventive treatment, low-dose naltrexone therapy can increase your natural endorphin production and provide relief other unfavourable issues and conditions, either by diminishing or entirely reversing unwanted symptoms.
Some of the common medical conditions that LDN is used to treat or support include:
- Allergies and Asthma*
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Celiac or Crohn’s disease*
- Childhood autism
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia*
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema
- Endometriosis*
- HIV/Aids
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease*
- Lupus
- Mood challenges*
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleroderma
- Ulcerative colitis*
*are conditions we commonly see and treat along with hormone imbalances at MedStudio.
Although studies and clinical trials have been minimal, another benefit of low-dose naltrexone treatment is its ability to shrink tumors caused by various cancers. Many patients who were failing to respond to standard treatments for cancer showed stabilization or were moving towards complete remission after receiving low-dose naltrexone therapy.
What Is OUR Process?
An appointment begins with a complimentary educational consultation (unless you are an active MedStudio patient) to learn more and to discuss available options. MedStudio is private pay and does not accept insurance. We are not grant or government funded. However our services are often covered by HSA or Flex Plans. Payment is expected at time of service for time spent with a medical provider and any lab testing you request to have completed in our clinic. MedStudio offers lab testing for hormones, micronutrients, food intolerances and sensitivities, gut health and much more. MedStudio is staffed with highly qualified APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) such as nurse practitioners (NP), clinic nurse specialists (CNS), etc., who will also discuss any lifestyle conditions that may be having an impact on your hormone levels and health. This may include other health conditions, lifestyle habits, stress levels, as well as your personal goals for this treatment. MedStudio creates a personalized treatment plan tailored just for you and your needs. Our providers go above and beyond traditional medical care and are happy to invest in you as long as you are willing to invest in yourself. Average appointment times are 60-90 minutes.
Our patient care is extraordinary, relationship based where patients are empowered and continually supported. If you are looking for a partner to help you on your journey to better health, then MedStudio might be right for you. However, if you are looking for a quick fix, not interested in getting to the root cause of your problems and/or are price shopping, then MedStudio is not the right place for you. You are encouraged to contact MedStudio at any time to schedule a free in person educational consultation. Appointments for LDN are available in person only. Unfortunately at this time we don’t offer out of state or telemedicine care for LDN treatments only.
