The Promise Of Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy: Potential Benefits in Cancer, Autoimmune, Neurological and Infectious Disorders Paperback – December 15, 2008

I started taking Low Dose Naltrexone in early 2009 for my Hepatitis C and within months had tremendous results. My lab results showed a drop in my HCV viral load from over 1,500,000 to 47,000 and my liver enzymes had returned to normal for the first time since my diagnosis in 2002.It was at this time that I purchased "The Promise of Low Dose Naltrexone" and read it from cover to cover. It enabled me to have a better understanding on how LDN works, particularly on immune disorders, such as Hepatitis B and C:"In his studies on endogenous opiate, Ian Zagon has found that intermittent blockade of the receptor with low doses of opiate antagonist drugs upregulates production of endogenous opiates. Endogenous opiates such as metenkephalin and beta endorphin regulate homeostasis, immunity, wound healing and cellular removal.However, persistent blockade of the opiate receptor and persistent elevations of endogenous opiates, particularly metenkephalin, contribute to cell growth. Several studies of hepatic encephalopathy, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C show that higher levels of metenkephalin in the liver are associated with more severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and the development of hepatic encephalopathy. Persistent blockade stimulates cell growth, including cancerous cell growth, whereas intermittent blockade with LDN has an inhibitory effect and restores homeostasis.Along this line, low dose naltrexone has been shown to offer benefits in hepatic encephalopathy, viral hepatitis, and cholestasis-induced liver injury."Wonderfully researched and easy to understand, this book is a must for every researcher, physician or for anyone who is interested in learning more about LDN and how it can help most disorders.

Elaine Moore and Samantha Wilkinson's (Sammy Jo) book on `Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy' is a much needed book. LDN therapy is an off-label use of an established, FDA approved drug - Naltrexone -- used to help modulate the immune system for autoimmune diseases like MS, Crohn's, and others. However, LDN therapy has also been proven beneficial for cancers by helping to reduce tumor size - in pancreatic cancer for example. The dose of Naltrexone used in LDN therapy is similar to the doses that are used in homeopathic medicines. It's good to have a reference that cites credible professionals describing the safety and efficacy of this therapy.The information about LDN therapy is presented so that the average person (non medical) can understand the history behind LDN therapy, how LDN therapy works, and offer guidelines to help a patient talk to their doctor about the applicability of LDN therapy for their own health issues. I particularly liked how the writers broke chapters into smaller sections with clear, descriptive headings -- really made for easy reading even though some of the information is very technical.There are a number of resources included in the book as well as a glossary and index. Specific conditions are also covered - like `autism' for example. Also, information about clinical trials is included. I especially found Sammy Jo's experience with MS and LDN to be very inspiring.I particularly liked that the writers highlighted that the older theories of autoimmune disease proposed that the immune system was `hyperactive, strong, and easily stimulated'. Whereas new theories accept that the immune system in autoimmune disease is in-fact ` weak and ineffective'. I think this point is important because the confusion between the two theories hinders a lot of possible treatment options / therapies.However, I think a doctor / medical professional will find the book most beneficial. Doctors don't have a lot of time to research --- this book consolidates a lot of the [current and historical] information about LDN therapy -- available on various websites -- into one place. It also includes information from LDN researchers that were interviewed and offers patient guidelines for a doctor considering prescribing LDN for their patient. I thought it was especially helpful that some LDN experienced doctors agreed to have their names published as a reference. These doctors offer phone consultations which will be helpful for not only for patients who cannot find a doctor willing to prescribe, but perhaps for other doctors as well.The writers are very clear to point out that LDN therapy is NOT a cure for autoimmune disease nor cancers...but is to be used as a therapy to stop or slow the progression of disease. They also make the important point that larger, clinical trials are needed to allow LDN therapy to become more main stream and so that the larger medical community will become aware of this therapy. I agree with their assessment that a patient should be monitored by their doctor if they decide to try LDN therapy.I want to thank the writers for creating a reference of information on LDN therapy that I'm sure will be helpful to a lot of people.

This book is good overview of LDN (where it came from, how it works, who it may help, etc). LDN is awesome! I have fibromyalgia. My girlfriend has Hashimoto's. We have both made significant improvements (like 70% better!!) since going on LDN. It's unlikely to get lots of pharma marketing dollars since it's very, very cheap. Patent has run out. So it's up to us patients to get the word out.People that have any autoimmune condition may benefit. Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's, Crohn's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and more. Check this out if you're looking for something to add into your treatment program that has little to no side effects, and could make a huge difference for your quality of life!!!

Kinda going to review the book, but also the LDN. I got this book to further my cause to get doc to prescribe the LDN for me (I have MS) it has helped. Unintended 'side effect"? It also eliminated my allergies. So the reason we have allergies must be from an under production of endorphins and enkephalins, kinda makes sense since they are used by the immune system for communications, and allergies is the body mistaking a harmless substance for a dangerous one.But the book is well written, everything it suggested I have found to be accurate. I'd recommend it

This book is a very detailed report. It covers the history of LDN treatment of various painful diseases, like fibromyalgia, MS and other inflammatory diseases. It is not used as a cure, but a possible alternative treatment to reduce or control pain. It's main benefits are that it is cheap to produce, and has no obvious side-effects. It provides hope to those who have tried and been failed by all the usual treatment modalities.