Harnessing the Power of LDN: A Breakthrough Approach to Wellness Practice Growth

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is an emerging therapy gaining popularity in weight loss, inflammation support, and metabolic health. Originally developed to treat opioid and alcohol dependence, LDN in small doses (typically 1.5 to 8 mg) is now being explored for its role in appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity, thyroid support, and body composition.

Recent studies suggest that LDN may help reduce systemic inflammation and support metabolic function, especially when combined with lifestyle interventions and other therapies. A 2021 systematic review noted LDN’s potential impact on immune modulation and insulin sensitivity in patients with obesity and chronic inflammation [1].

• Clients with metabolic challenges such as insulin resistance, PCOS, or metabolic syndrome
• Individuals struggling with emotional or stress-related eating patterns
• Patients managing inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s (under supervision)
• Those experiencing a plateau on GLP-1 therapies or transitioning off them
• Clients seeking an affordable, long-term support option within a broader weight loss plan

• Typical Dose Range: 1.5 mg to 8 mg daily, titrated gradually
• Time to Results: Appetite and mood benefits may appear within weeks; weight and metabolic changes usually take 3–6 months
• Side Effects: Generally well tolerated; occasional nausea or vivid dreams
• Long-Term Use: Can be used as an ongoing part of a medically supervised weight loss plan [2]

GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Semaglutide) have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing and glucose-regulating effects. LDN may complement these therapies by supporting inflammation reduction, helping regulate appetite-related behaviors, and addressing emotional eating triggers [3].

• LDN Alone: May benefit patients seeking moderate appetite regulation, mood support, or metabolic reinforcement—particularly in cases involving emotional or stress-related eating.
• LDN + GLP-1s: May enhance weight loss support by addressing inflammation, thyroid function, and cravings—potentially helping maintain metabolic balance during treatment [4].
• After GLP-1s: Useful for weight maintenance after discontinuing GLP-1 therapy [5].

1. Choubey A, et al. Low-dose naltrexone rescues inflammation and insulin resistance associated with hyperinsulinemia. J Biol Chem. 2020;295(49):16359–16369.
2. Younger J, Parkitny L, McLain D. The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2014;33(4):451–459.
3. Toljan K, Vrooman B. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN)—review of therapeutic utilization. Med Sci (Basel). 2018;6(4):82.
4. Cant R, Dalgleish AG, Allen RL. Naltrexone inhibits IL-6 and TNFα production in human immune cell subsets following stimulation with ligands for intracellular toll-like receptors. Front Immunol. 2017;8:809.
5. Hutchinson MR, et al. Non-stereoselective reversal of neuropathic pain by naloxone and naltrexone: involvement of toll-like receptor 4. Eur J Neurosci. 2008;28(1):20–29.
6. Raknes G, Småbrekke L. Low dose naltrexone in multiple sclerosis: effects on medication use. A quasi-experimental study. PLoS One. 2017;12(11):e0187423.
7. Wang X, Zhang Y, Peng Y, et al. Pharmacological characterization of the opioid inactive isomers (+)-naltrexone and (+)-naloxone as antagonists of toll-like receptor 4. Br J Pharmacol. 2016;173(5):856–869.