Restoring Balance and Energy from the Inside Out
Many patients come to us not only because they want to lose weight, but because they want to feel better overall. Fatigue, joint discomfort, brain fog, and chronic aches can make it hard to stay active or enjoy daily life. These symptoms often trace back to one thing - inflammation.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa, we use a variety of physician-supervised tools to help calm inflammation and support total-body wellness. One of those tools is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), a medication that may help your immune system work more efficiently while improving mood, energy, and focus.
What is Inflammation and Why it Matters
Inflammation is your body’s natural defense system. When it works properly, it helps you heal from injuries and fight off infections. When it becomes chronic, it can start causing problems instead of solving them.
Low-grade, long-term inflammation has been linked to issues such as:
- Fatigue or poor sleep quality
- Weight-gain resistance
- Joint stiffness or pain
- Digestive discomfort
- Brain fog or mood changes
This type of inflammation can quietly affect metabolism, hormones, and even how the body stores fat. Managing it can help you feel stronger, think clearer, and move more comfortably.
What is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?
Naltrexone was originally approved by the FDA in higher doses to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. At very low doses (1 to 6 milligrams), it interacts with the immune and nervous systems in a different way.
LDN briefly blocks opioid receptors for a few hours. When those receptors reopen, the body increases its natural production of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s own “feel-good” and “healing” molecules. They can influence pain perception, energy, mood, and immune balance.
By encouraging healthy endorphin activity, LDN may help reduce the signals that keep the body in a constant state of inflammation (LDN Research Trust, Drugs.com LDN Guide).
How LDN May Support Inflammation and Wellness
1. Helps Regulate the Immune System
Research suggests that LDN can modulate immune cell activity, particularly the microglia – immune cells in the brain and spinal cord. Overactive microglia release inflammatory chemicals that may contribute to pain, fatigue, and cognitive changes. LDN appears to help calm this response and promote balance.
2. Supports Pain and Discomfort Relief
Because of its effect on endorphins, LDN may also influence how your body perceives pain. Patients with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathy have reported improvements in overall comfort.
3. Encourages Better Energy and Mood
When the body is not fighting constant inflammation, energy levels often rise. Endorphins also support mental clarity and a more stable mood. Many patients describe feeling “lighter” or more positive after a few weeks of treatment.
4. May Reduce Inflammatory Markers
Some early studies have shown that patients using LDN had reductions in markers associated with inflammation. More research is needed, but these findings are promising for conditions that involve immune overactivity.
Common Conditions Where LDN is Explored
While every patient is unique, LDN has been studied or discussed for use in managing symptoms related to:
- Autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic pain or fibromyalgia
- Irritable bowel and other digestive inflammatory conditions
- Long COVID-related fatigue
- Hormone imbalance and inflammation-related weight gain
It is important to remember that LDN does not “treat” or “cure” these conditions. It may help support the body’s natural ability to rebalance its immune and inflammatory responses when used under physician supervision (National MS Society, ASRA Pain Medicine Newsletter).
What Patients Often Notice
Because inflammation affects many systems, the improvements people describe can vary. Some of the most common experiences include:
- More consistent energy during the day
- Less morning stiffness or joint discomfort
- Fewer headaches or body aches
- Improved sleep quality
- A calmer mood or less anxiety
- Better focus or mental clarity
These changes often appear gradually over four to eight weeks. The goal is steady progress toward better function and comfort, not a quick fix.
How LDN is Used at Valley Medical
LDN is prescribed only after a full medical evaluation. Here is what to expect:
- Personalized consultation. Your provider will review your health history, current medications, and overall goals.
- Gradual start. Most patients begin at a very low dose taken at bedtime and slowly increase it as tolerated.
- Ongoing support. You will check in with your provider to discuss energy levels, sleep, or any changes in symptoms.
- Long-term review. Once stability and improvement are noted, LDN may become part of your maintenance plan for wellness.
Safety and Side Effects
LDN is considered generally well tolerated. However, you should always discuss potential interactions and risks with your provider. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary vivid dreams or insomnia
- Mild nausea or upset stomach
- Headache or temporary fatigue
- Restlessness during the first few weeks
These effects are usually mild and often improve on their own. Taking LDN at bedtime or with a small snack can reduce discomfort.
LDN should not be used if you are:
Taking opioid medications
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Diagnosed with significant liver impairment
Undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy
Because LDN is prescribed off-label, it should always be monitored by a licensed medical professional (Drugs.com).
What Results to Expect
LDN works gradually. Most patients notice early improvements in mood or sleep before larger changes in inflammation or energy occur. It typically takes eight to twelve weeks to evaluate full effects.
We encourage realistic expectations. The goal is progress, not perfection. For some patients, LDN serves as an ongoing wellness tool to help them maintain balance long term.
Integrating LDN into Your Wellness Plan
LDN often pairs well with lifestyle habits that also reduce inflammation, such as:
- Eating a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Staying hydrated
- Incorporating daily movement or low-impact exercise
- Managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques
- Getting consistent, high-quality sleep
Your provider will help design a holistic approach that fits your schedule and needs.
Pricing and Availability
LDN is available through all Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa locations. We believe in clear, upfront pricing with no contracts.
Program options:
- LDN Weekly Combo Pack – $31.95
- 4-Week Supply – $25
- Plus Meds 4-Week Pack – $25
Your provider will review which option works best for your care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to notice results?
Many patients begin to feel subtle improvements in mood or energy within the first month, with inflammation-related benefits appearing by eight to twelve weeks.
Can LDN replace my other medications?
No. LDN is a supportive therapy and should never replace prescribed medications without your provider’s direction.
Is LDN safe for long-term use?
When medically monitored, LDN is generally considered safe for long-term use. Your provider will review lab work and follow-up regularly.
Can I take LDN with supplements or hormones?
Often yes, but your provider will review potential interactions to ensure all treatments work well together.
Taking the Next Step
If you are tired of feeling inflamed, fatigued, or unbalanced, talk with a Valley Medical provider about whether LDN could support your health goals. Our approach is patient-centered, evidence-informed, and always supervised by medical professionals.
We meet you where you are and build a plan that helps you feel your best from the inside out.
Important Information and Disclosures
Educational use only
LDN has not been approved by the FDA for the indications discussed in this article. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice.
Medication disclaimer
Compounded medications are available by prescription only. They are not FDA approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. When prescribed, they are prepared by licensed pharmacies for individual patients in accordance with applicable laws. Individual experiences vary. Use only under the supervision of a licensed medical provider.
General program disclaimer
Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa does not guarantee outcomes. Programs are medically supervised, but results vary by individual. All treatments require evaluation and prescription by a licensed provider.
