Naltrexone is a medication approved for use by the FDA since 1984 for the treatment of opioid and alcohol addiction. It is usually used at a dosage of around 50-150 mg for that indication, however when used at a Low Dose such as 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg, it can be very effective in treating other conditions such as autoimmune disorders, chronic pain and even certain cancers. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is currently more popularly used in the alternative/functional medicine world, however given its cost-effectiveness, safety and science based evidence, it should be utilized more frequently in more mainstream medicine. This show aims to create more awareness around the use of LDN.
We discuss:
- What is LDN and what conditions is it effective for?
- Some of the history and research behind LDN.
- What is the mechanism behind LDN use and the different receptors present in our body?
- Optimal dosages and potential side effects.
- What are the hesitations mainstream medicine has around LDN use and how we can overcome them?
- Some interesting research on LDN being used for Stage 4 cancer, especially pancreatic cancer.
Book on LDN
Review Paper on LDN
https://www.yoonhangkim.com/_files/ugd/989c76_d02e148980704b6db5e74069eac349ab.pdf
LDN online resources:
https://ldnresearchtrust.org/
Dr. John Kim is board-certified in Preventive Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, and Integrative Medicine. He completed fellowship training in Integrative Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona. He is currently the medical director of an integrative medicine practice in San Antonio which provides Primary Care, Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy and Integrative Medicine consultations. He is also actively developing and implementing an integrative pain management program. He has extensive knowledge and experience using Low Dose Naltrexone which is the topic of our conversation today.
Connect with Dr. Kim:
Website: https://www.directintegrativecare.com/
Email: info@directintegrativecare.com