The Benefits of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): A Functional Medicine Perspective

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is gaining attention in Functional and Integrative Medicine as a powerful, low-risk therapy for a wide range of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Originally used at high doses to treat opioid addiction, at doses between 0.5 mg and 4.5 mg, LDN has unique immune-modulating properties that make it a compelling option for conditions that conventional medicine often struggles to treat.

What is Low Dose Naltrexone?

LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors, which causes the body to upregulate its own production of endorphins and enkephalins. These natural compounds play key roles in regulating the immune system, reducing pain, and promoting a sense of well-being. By gently nudging the immune system back into balance, LDN can help calm autoimmune activity and reduce chronic inflammation.

Clinically Researched Benefits of LDN

1. Autoimmune Disease Modulation

LDN has shown promise in conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus by reducing autoantibody activity and calming immune hyperactivity.

2. Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia Relief

Patients with fibromyalgia, chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and chronic pelvic pain have reported improved pain tolerance and reduced inflammation due to LDN's effect on microglial activation in the nervous system.

3. Neurological and Mood Support

LDN may support mood and cognitive clarity by increasing endogenous endorphins and reducing neuro-inflammation, which plays a role in depression and brain fog.

4. Digestive and Immune Health

Conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS may improve with LDN due to its role in immune regulation and gut barrier support.

5. MCAS and Histamine Intolerance

LDN can stabilize mast cells and down-regulate inflammatory mediators, making it useful for patients with MCAS, mold illness, and chemical sensitivity.

Functional Medicine Considerations

• Start low and titrate slowly (e.g., 0.5 mg increasing to 3–4.5 mg over weeks)

• Best taken at night to align with endorphin cycles

• May cause initial sleep disturbances or vivid dreams, which usually resolve

  
  

Final Thoughts

Low Dose Naltrexone is not a magic bullet, but it’s an incredibly promising tool in the Functional Medicine toolkit. With its ability to modulate the immune system, support nervous system resilience, and improve quality of life in tough-to-treat conditions, LDN deserves thoughtful consideration in any chronic illness plan.

Want to know if LDN is right for you? Contact me to schedule a personalized consultation. Serving Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the entire State of Texas.

Your Functional Med NP,

Xenia