Low-Dose Naltrexone for Lyme and Autoimmune Diseases

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We interviewed Darin Ingels ND FAAEM about the use of low-dose naltrexone for Lyme disease and other autoimmune diseases. You can watch the replay below.


About Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

Medical researchers have discovered that low-dose naltrexone – an older pharmaceutical with very few side effects and a solid safety profile – is helpful for many of the common symptoms that occur in chronic neurological diseases such as Lyme disease, autism, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders.

These disorders create a lot of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which can lead to symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, pain, fatigue, cognition problems, neuropathy, memory problems, fatigue, behavioral issues, allergies and gastrointestinal issues.

Low-dose naltrexone is a unique tool in that it both lowers inflammation and modulates the immune system. Doses are typically given between 0.5 and 6.0mg, which is much less than the 50-100mg doses used for managing alcohol and opiod addiction.

In This Webinar

Dr. Ingels has been one of the pioneers in advocating for the use of low-dose naltrexone in patients with chronic autoimmune and neurological conditions. In this webinar, he’ll help us answer the following questions:

  • What is low-dose naltrexone?
  • Why is inflammation a common root cause of these conditions?
  • How does LDN help lower inflammation?
  • How does LDN help improve immune-system function?
  • Why is LDN a possible choice for treating these conditions?
  • What are other options?

Please note that you will be asked to enter your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing.

About Darin Ingels ND FAAEM

Dr. Ingels is a respected leader in natural medicine with numerous publications, international lectures and 30 years experience in the healthcare field.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Ingels completed his residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health.

Dr. Ingels is a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in the State of California. He is a Fellow with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and Fellow with the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs.

Dr. Ingels has been published extensively and is the author of three books, The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol and The Lyme Solution: A 5-Part Plan To Fight The Inflammatory Autoimmune Response And Beat Lyme Disease. He has also written a chapter on allergy desensitization for autistic children in Cutting Edge Therapies for Autism.

Dr. Ingels’ practice focuses on environmental medicine with special emphasis on Lyme disease, MS, autism, Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS and PANDAS) and chronic immune dysfunction, including allergies, asthma, recurrent or persistent infections and other genetic or acquired immune problems.

His practice is comprised of both children and adults. He uses diet, nutrients, herbs, homeopathy, and immunotherapy along with conventional medical therapies to help his patients achieve better health.

You can find out more about him and his practice at dariningelsnd.com

Disclaimer

This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.

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Sources & References

Gironi, M., et al. A pilot trial of low-dose naltrexone in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2008 Sep;14(8):1076-83.

Good, P. Low-dose naltrexone for multiple sclerosis and autism: does its benefit reveal a common cause? Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(3):671-2.

Johnson, B., et al. Fibromyalgia, autism, and opioid addiction as natural and induced disorders of the endogenous opioid hormonal system. Discov Med. 2014 Oct;18(99):209-20.

Kučić, N., et al. Immunometabolic Modulatory Role of Naltrexone in BV-2 Microglia Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Aug 5;22(16):8429.

Li, Z., et al. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN): A promising treatment in immune-related diseases and cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018 Aug;61:178-184.

Liu, W.M., et al. Naltrexone at low doses upregulates a unique gene expression not seen with normal doses: Implications for its use in cancer therapy. Int J Oncol. 2016 Aug;49(2):793-802.

Metyas, S., et al. Low Dose Naltrexone in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia. Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2018;14(2):177-180.

Mischoulon, J., et al. Randomized, proof-of-concept trial of low dose naltrexone for patients with breakthrough symptoms of major depressive disorder on antidepressants. J Affect Disord. 2017 Jan 15;208:6-14.

Patten, D.K., et al. The Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Naltrexone in the Management of Chronic Pain and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Crohn’s Disease, and Other Chronic Pain Disorders. Pharmacotherapy. 2018 Mar;38(3):382-389.

Rahn, K.A., et al. Prevention and diminished expression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by low dose naltrexone (LDN) or opioid growth factor (OGF) for an extended period: Therapeutic implications for multiple sclerosis. Brain Res. 2011 Mar 24;1381:243-53.

Tawfik, D.I., et al. Evaluation of therapeutic effect of low dose naltrexone in experimentally-induced Crohn’s disease in rats. Neuropeptides. 2016 Oct;59:39-45.

Younger, J., et al. Fibromyalgia Symptoms are Reduced by Low-Dose Naltrexone: A Pilot Study. Pain Med. May-Jun 2009;10(4):663-72.

Younger, J., et al. The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain. Clin Rheumatol. 2014; 33(4): 451–459.

Zagon, I.S., et al. Endogenous opioids regulate expression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: a new paradigm for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2009 Nov;234(11):1383-92.

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