If you’ve been struggling with joint pain, brain fog, fatigue and even stubborn weight gain, low dose naltrexone or LDN may be part of the solution.
You may be one of millions silently suffering from chronic inflammation. Unfortunately, many modern health issues have been linked to chronic inflammation. These include autoimmune conditions, thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, gut issues and more.
But here’s the good news!
Dealing with the root cause of chronic inflammation may help to ease symptoms and prevent more serious conditions from arising. Additionally, LDN can help to speed up that healing process.
If you’re wondering how LDN works or how it can help you heal from chronic inflammation, we’re here to help. This article will go through:
- What is LDN medication?
- How does it calm inflammation?
- What to expect when using LDN
We’ll also address LDN side effects and why holistic practitioners and integrative health experts love incorporating it into their treatments.
You’ll walk away with the full picture of how LDN works and why it may be the perfect solution to helping you heal your chronic inflammation.
What is Low Dose Naltrexone?
LDN between levels of 1mg and 4.5mg has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Instead of suppressing your immune system like other pharmaceuticals, it helps to regulate it. This can make it a good choice for autoimmune conditions, inflammation and even improve your mood. Let’s break it down further:
LDN works in the following ways:
- Endorphin production – By briefly blocking opioid receptors, LDN stimulates the body to produce more endorphins. This helps to improve pain tolerance, mood and even balance the immune system.
- Immune modulation – LDN helps to regulate the immune system rather than suppress it. This is crucial for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions where the immune system is overreacting.
- Reducing inflammation – LDN may help to reduce the number of cytokines (chemical messengers that promote inflammation) that the body produces. This can help ease joint pain and reduce fatigue and brain fog.
The Chronic Inflammation Epidemic
Chronic inflammation is usually caused by a number of factors including lifestyle, stress and environmental toxins. We dive into the causes in our chronic inflammation blog here.
We also talk about the full list of chronic inflammation symptoms to look out for including:
Fatigue – Are you waking up in the morning feeling tired? Do you feel like you aren’t getting enough sleep despite getting more than eight hours each night?
Joint pain – Joint pain and stiffness can be indicative of chronic inflammation especially when it occurs in the mornings.
Brain fog – If you’re having trouble concentrating, it may be due to chronic inflammation and suggest you’re a good candidate for LDN.
Mood swings – Does your mood fluctuate for no apparent reason? If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression, it may be a good idea to dig a little deeper.
Skin issues – Think rashes or eczema or any stubborn skin ailment that just won’t go away. LDN can help to reduce symptoms and flare ups.
Serious Conditions
It may be challenging to identify symptoms and link them with chronic inflammation. However, if symptoms are ignored, this can often lead to more serious conditions such as:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- IBS and Crohn’s disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
That’s why it’s so important to test your symptoms early with an integrative chronic inflammation expert!
What to Expect When Taking LDN
Wondering about the long term side effects of naltrexone or what to avoid when taking LDN? Let’s discuss what to expect!
With comprehensive testing, our chronic inflammation expert will evaluate your inflammation biomarkers and cardiovascular and metabolic health. In addition to lifestyle dietary changes, LDN may be recommended to speed up your healing process.
Everybody is different and the medication should be introduced slowly. You may start on a low dose and slowly increase it over time. Some people may experience vivid dreams, headaches or temporary sleep disturbances at the very start. However, these symptoms will often fade within a few days to a few weeks.
LDN Benefits
Within the first few weeks, you may begin to notice:
- Improved sleep quality
- Less joint pain and stiffness
- Clearer thinking and reduced brain fog
- More stable mood
- General feelings of balance and calmness
It’s important to be patient as it may take several months to experience the full benefits of LDN.
Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness’ chronic inflammation expert will monitor your symptoms closely and tailor each dosage to your specific needs.
Why Holistic Practitioners Love LDN
Functional medicine health experts are increasingly recommending LDN to patients with chronic inflammation.
Why? It fits right into a holistic healing framework.
It’s not about masking symptoms but about supporting the body to heal and self-regulate. It’s not a Band-Aid solution and works alongside nutritional improvements and lifestyle changes. It’s long term and sustainable healing and is also:
- Well tolerated
- Non-addictive
- Customizable
Healing Chronic Inflammation in Oak Park
LDN is a low risk therapy for those struggling with the symptoms of chronic inflammation. It works with your body rather than against it.
If you struggle with symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain or skin issues then you may be suffering from chronic inflammation. The first step is testing! Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness can help you navigate comprehensive testing to determine your inflammation levels and metabolic health.
In addition to LDN, your treatment may include working with an integrative registered dietitian nutritionist. They can help prioritize key lifestyle changes and dietary improvements that will support your healing long-term.
In no time at all, you’ll be feeling more energized, calm and balanced. Say goodbye to the symptoms holding you back and book in a consultation today!