Naltrexone, if given in low quantities, is known as low-dose naltrexone (LDN). Naltrexone is a wonder drug that stops opioid activity in the brain. The opioids produced by your body normally include endorphins and enkephalins that contribute to good sensations. These chemicals are responsible for producing pleasure and reward by your brain.

Naltrexone was discovered in the 1960s and was proved to treat opioid addiction in the 1980s. The discovery of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) was a tremendous revolution in the field of medicine. LDN can help you treat your problems of pain, autoimmune diseases, fatigue, inflammation, etc. In this article, you will read more about its uses in treating autoimmune conditions.

Uses of LDN for treating autoimmune conditions

In the past, Naltrexone was used to treat addiction only. With the passage of time, many other potential uses of LDN were discovered. Its application in autoimmune patients are:

Anecdotes

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) ensures a healthy immune response by balancing the T-helper cells in the immune system. These cells are also known as the master cells as they block the overactivation of the harmful Th1, Th2, and Th17. These chemicals cause the immune system to get over-excited and attack the healthy cells in the immune system. People suffering from autoimmune conditions are considered to be living with impaired T-helper cells which results in its malfunctioning.

Some doctors have claimed that LDN helps to treat other diseases with autoimmune symptoms, such as Hashimoto’s. It is known to improve thyroid levels, anecdotally. It helps to lower the antibodies and your body’s requirement for additional drugs. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) boosts endorphins to improve autoimmune disorders and rebalances the immune system through T-helper cells. 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Studies

There is less evidence yet to prove the role of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, the use of LDN by people with multiple sclerosis improved their mental health and quality of life. The people who were tested claimed that they did not suffer any side effects of using LDN. Their symptoms of MS, fatigue, and life quality were seen to stabilize and get improved.

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

There is less evidence to prove the role of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. The research was carried out on several women who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. These women were given LDN and then the results were recorded. The low dose of naltrexone reduced chronic pain and inflammation in the joints.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease, but it exhibits the same symptoms. People with fibromyalgia were given LDN and the results showed improvement in inflammation, pain, fatigue, mood, etc., with no side effects.