Can LDN Help with Rare and Difficult-to-Diagnose Diseases

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) therapy has emerged as an intriguing possibility for those struggling with rare and difficult-to-diagnose diseases. After many years of research, proponents suggest that LDN can play a significant role in helping these patients find relief from their discomfort. Studies have indicated that the body's natural endorphins may increase with the use of LDN, which can result in pain reduction and healing. While further clinical studies are necessary to assess its true efficacy, those suffering from difficult-to-diagnose diseases may consider LDN as a potential treatment option. The safety profile of LDN is quite good, so it is reasonable for people to pursue such treatments if used under professional medical supervision. Let’s look at the benefits of LDN and how it could provide some relief from the symptoms of some common and not-so-common diseases.

Just over 60 years ago, in 1960, the average lifespan for an individual in the United States was 69.7 years. And by the year 2015, this number increased by almost 10 years and continued to climb each year. Projections published by the United States Census Bureau believed that by the year 2060, life expectancy will reach an all-time high of 85.6 years on average. Though there are a lot of contributing factors, like better safety measures and precautions, the significant increase is primarily attributed to a reduction in viral infections, diseases, and cardiovascular mortality and increased health prevention programs, and lifestyle modification.  

Thanks to modern scientific and medical discoveries, there are many excellent drugs that allow people to delay aging and the diseases that come along with it. A great example is the drug LDN i.e. Low dose of Naltrexone. Low-dose naltrexone, commonly known as LDN, can prevent diseases entirely or reduce the incidence or prolong an individual's disease-free years. It is considered a longevity therapy with incredible health benefits. This drug has been prescribed for over 40 years with an outstanding safety record to date. In 1985, this LDN was used to treat autoimmune diseases and viral infections. LDN is an oral medicine that is commonly delivered at a higher dose to control cravings for opioids and alcohol and is considered a low dose when the dosage is less than 10 mg.  

LDN has a long list of longevity benefits, primarily because of its effect on endorphin levels. Endorphins are polypeptides that are involved in the production of serotonin and dopamine. With a higher level of endorphins, one will feel good, but when levels are low, it can cause health issues like depression, cognitive degeneration, and fibromyalgia. Individuals with these diseases have low levels of Opioid Growth Factor (OGF). LDN increases the production of OGF by binding opioid receptors, displacing the body’s naturally produced OGF. This makes the cells OGF-deficient, which triggers a few different processes like first of all it causes an increase in receptor production, which captures more OGF. Similarly, it also increases in receptor sensitivity that captures OGF, and the third is increasing the output of OGF. When an individual takes LDN, the receptors are only blocked for a few hours. This creates a rebound effect, boosting endorphin levels even higher. This results in several benefits, like: 

A reduction in cancer risk

LDN has been found to reduce the risk of cancer. One report found that LDN affected tumors like non-small cell lung cancer at the cellular level through augmentation of the immune system. Additionally, a mouse study published in Science Direct found that LDN inhibited colorectal cancer progression and promoted apoptosis.

A reduction in chronic pain

There is strong clinical evidence that LDN reduces chronic pain. For example, LDN can be effective in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body. One cohort study found that low-dose naltrexone reduced fibromyalgia symptoms in the entire cohort, with a reduction greater than 30% compared to the placebo. Additionally, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover trial assessed daily pain levels and found that it significantly reduced baseline pain.

A reduction in inflammation

Inflammation can cause severe and life-threatening health conditions. With LDN, inflammation and its potential threats can be reduced. This is seen with the lowering of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), a marker of inflammation in the body. In a 10-week crossover trial published in Biomedicines, it was discovered that LDN was associated with a reduction in plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory interleukin cytokines, as well as transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor.

An improvement in mood

As mentioned previously, LDN can increase endorphins. Endorphins trigger positive feelings in the body, making you feel happier and energized. Because of this, one of the benefits of LDN is improved overall mood and sense of well-being.

Weight loss

Another benefit of LDN is weight loss. A study published in Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes looked at LDN use with hyperandrogenic women. The results of the study found that naltrexone use helped lower fasting insulin levels by up to 40%. Additionally, a study of obese women found that naltrexone could help increase growth hormone levels, which can increase lean body mass development and the ability to burn fat. Lastly, a third study found that when combined with Bupropion, it was more effective for weight loss than taking Bupropion alone.

Even more benefits

In addition to these incredible benefits, LDN may also reduce brain fog and fatigue, modulate the immune system, and reduce the chance of autoimmunity. These benefits result from the impact LDN has on a cellular level. When taken, you may experience several or all of these benefits, improving longevity and delaying aging. To receive these benefits, you will need a prescription for the drug. This can be accessed through a pharmacy specializing in longevity therapies where you will also receive a personalized consultation to determine the proper dosage.

Once you start taking LDN, there are both short-term and long-term benefits you might experience. The long-term benefits are the prevention of diseases, and short-term benefits include a reduction in symptoms related to inflammation such as back pain, fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain. LDN is incredibly safe, but you could experience some mild to moderate side effects when you start taking it. These side effects typically diminish within five days and can be reduced by starting with a low dose.

If the projections are correct, you may live a longer, healthier, and happier life than your parents and grandparents. LDN is proof of the incredible medical advancements that can improve the length and quality of life while reducing the effects of many diseases.