Struggling with weight loss? You’re not alone. Losing the last few stubborn pounds can be difficult for many people. I was in the same boat until I discovered an unexpected aid for weight loss – low-dose Naltrexone (LDN). If you haven’t heard of Naltrexone before, Let me introduce you to this prescription medication. Nalxetrone is typically used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. However, lower doses of Nalxetrone have been used off-label for weight loss.
In my case, I had already implemented exercise, tracked calories, and tried every diet I found on the internet. But nothing worked for losing those last 15 pounds. In my research of novel ways to lose weight, I came across LDN. While skeptical, I was also curious, so I decided to give it a try. After starting LDN while continuing my workout regime and healthy diet, I finally was able to shed that final stubborn fat. If my story piqued your interest, keep reading to learn more about low-dose Naltrexone weight loss.
What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved drug to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. They work by blocking addiction receptors in the brain preventing people from feeling the satisfaction and reward of drinking. Additionally, the drug can also curb your cravings. Naltrexone is available in both pills and injection forms and has a dosage of 50 to 100 mg.
However, at lower doses of around 4.5 mg, it has different effects on the body. Off-the-label low-dose naltrexone benefits include weight loss, alleviating chronic pain, and treating conditions such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, long-term COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Even though the anecdotal evidence and early researches looks promising, more thorough research is needed before concluding the complete effects of LDN.
How Does LDN Work?
LDN incorporates multiple mechanisms to provide benefits for patients. The mechanisms include:
- LDN can modulate the immune system by blocking the opioid receptor.
- LDN has been found to inhibit the growth of certain cells including cancer cells and immune cells.
- Some research shows that LDN can encourage the repair and growth of nerve cells.
- LDN enhances the secretion of endorphins and opioids that can lift mood and reduce pain. Giving the patients an overall feeling of well-being.
- By increasing the levels of dopamine LDN can make the patients feel happy and rewarded.
- LDN can enhance natural killer cells which can improve the body’s ability to fight infections and cancer.
Examining the working mechanism, you can also determine how will LDN make me feel. LDN can make you feel happy, and give you an overall sense of wellbeing. Some human studies have shown that the drug could also reduce anxiety and depression. The precise mechanisms of action are still being explored. More research and clinical studies are needed to figure out the complete effect of LDN.
How Can Naltrexone Help Me with Weight Loss?
Naltrexone medication has been found to cause weight loss in patients. The drug works by blocking opioid receptors which can alter several bodily functions, one of them being hunger. Naltrexone can suppress appetite which would lead to a lower food intake and weight loss.
On top of reduced appetite, Naltrexone can also curb your cravings for sugary, and fatty food which can also help in weight loss. However, the drug does not work like work like magic. Low-dose Naltrexone weight loss simply depends on the amount of food you consume. Combining LDN with a healthy lifestyle seems like the most effective way of low-dose Naltrexone weight loss.
Who Should Not Take LDN?
LDN is generally well tolerated by most people. However, it is not recommended to take LDN if you satisfy any of the following conditions:
- Those currently taking opioids cannot take LDN which is an opioid antagonist that inhibits the effects of opioids.
- People who have liver issues should take LDN with caution and may need more frequent liver enzyme testing while on LDN.
- Anyone with a condition involving the immune system should only start LDN after a consultation with their healthcare provider.
- People who are under medication for other known diseases.
Best Time of Day to Take Naltrexone for Weight Loss
The Naltrexone prescription medication does not have a specific time to take. However, you should follow your doctor’s instructions. Some research has found that taking Naltrexone early in the morning is more effective for low-dose Naltrexone weight loss. It is observed that people taking Naltrexone first thing in the morning have a 30% reduction in appetite which can significantly support weight loss.
How I Lose 15 Pounds with Low-Dose Naltrexone Weight Loss
I am a very driven and stubborn individual which means that when I pursue something I will not stop until I reach my goal. However, I have a sweet tooth and sugary food is something that I just can’t keep myself away from. The beginning of my weight loss journey was extremely rewarding. The rigorous workout and diet restrictions I put myself through worked like a charm in the beginning. But after a period, nothing I did reflected on the weight scale. This was very disheartening, but I didn’t lose my drive.
I examined every detail of my exercises, diet, and lifestyle to determine what went wrong. That’s when I realized that my cheat days and occasional sugary drinks were the culprits. Knowing what I should do, I looked up several medications that promised to lower my appetite and cravings. That’s how I found out about LDN. I started taking LDN first thing in the morning, along with my unsweetened morning coffee. I started feeling a considerable difference in my appetite and cravings from the second week onwards. Thanks to LDN and my healthy diet and exercises, I lose 15 pounds within a couple of months.
Final Note
In conclusion, Naltrexone is a drug generally prescribed for patients who have an opioid and alcohol addiction. But in low doses, it is used for other purposes including low dose Naltrexone weight loss. The drug can block the opioid receptors in the brain which can alter several things including hunger, reward system, and cravings. LDN helps to lower your appetite and reduce the feeling of satisfaction you’d get by eating sugary foods. The reduced appetite and cravings in combination with a healthy lifestyle can help support weight loss.
LDN is a prescription drug, so consult your doctor to determine whether it would be safe for you. The drug can be taken any time of the day, but according to some studies, taking LDN in the morning seems to be more beneficial for weight loss. LDN does not work like magic, it simply helps you reduce the food cravings. Following a healthy diet, and at least 150 minutes of workout sessions along with LDN can result in weight loss. So, would you give Low Dose Naltrexone a try?
