Low Dose Naltrexone For Disease Prevention And Quality Of Life

[Garnet]

Link to Article Abstract:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...e504f08af90b3e

Medical Hypotheses
Volume 72, Issue 3, March 2009, Pages 333-337

Low Dose Naltrexone For Disease Prevention And Quality Of Life

Norman Brown(a) and Jaak Panksepp(b)

aDepartment of Humanities and Social Sciences, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States. NPHbrown@aol.com
Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 386 226 6631; fax: +1 386 226 7210

bDepartment of VCAPP, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646520, Pullman, WA 99164-6520, United States

Summary
The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for the treatment and prophylaxis of various bodily disorders is discussed. Accumulating evidence suggests that LDN can promote health supporting immune-modulation which may reduce various oncogenic and inflammatory autoimmune processes. Since LDN can upregulate endogenous opioid activity, it may also have a role in promoting stress resilience, exercise, social bonding, and emotional well-being, as well as amelioration of psychiatric problems such a autism and depression. It is proposed that LDN can be used effectively as a buffer for a large variety of bodily and mental ailments through its ability to beneficially modulate both the immune system and the brain neurochemistries that regulate positive affect.