To understand how LDN works, we must understand our body’s natural opioids, called endorphins. Evidence shows that our natural endorphins, most commonly known as our natural painkillers, also play an essential role in immune system regulation. We need adequate levels of these endorphins to maintain health.

LDN binds to our endorphin receptors. One of these endorphins, OGF, or Opioid Growth Factor, normally sits on these receptors. Low doses of naltrexone block these receptors for just a few hours, and as a result, your body thinks you don’t have enough OGF, so it makes more OGF receptors. Your body, in turn, benefits from the immune-healing repair and decreased pain associated with increased OGF.

LDN also decreases brain inflammation by decreasing the activity of microglia, the brain’s immune cells. LDN temporarily blocks Toll-like receptors on sensory nerves, which may reduce pain, and blocks these same Toll-like receptors on mast cells, which can help in conditions such as psoriasis.

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is extremely safe, well-tolerated, and inexpensive, which is why it is being used increasingly.