Just over sixty years ago, in 1960, the average lifespan for an adult in the United States was 69.7 years old. By 2015 this increased by almost ten years and continued to climb each year.
Projections published by the United States Census Bureau believed that by 2060, life expectancy will reach an all-time high of 85.6 years.
Though there are many factors that contribute, like better safety measures and precautions, the significant increase is primarily attributed to a reduction in viral infections, diseases, and cardiovascular mortality and increased health prevention programs.
Thanks to modern science and medicine, there are excellent drugs that allow people to delay aging and the diseases that come along with it. A great example is the drug LDN. Low dose naltrexone, commonly known as LDN, can prevent these diseases entirely or prolong an individual’s disease-free years. It is considered a longevity therapy with incredible health benefits.
The drug has been prescribed for over 40 years with an outstanding safety record. In 1985 it was used to treat autoimmune diseases and viral infections. LDN is an oral medicine commonly delivered at a higher dose to control cravings for opioids and alcohol and is considered a low dose when the dosage is less than 10mg.
LDN has a long list of longevity benefits primarily because of its effect on endorphin levels. Endorphins are polypeptides that are involved in serotonin and dopamine production. With a higher level of endorphins, you will feel good, but when levels are low, it can cause health issues like depression, cognitive degeneration, and fibromyalgia. Individuals with these diseases are low in Opioid Growth Factor (OGF).
LDN increases OGF by binding opioid receptors, displacing the body’s naturally produced OGF. This makes the cells OGF-deficient, which triggers a few different processes. The first is an increase in receptor production, which captures more OGF. The second is an increase in receptor sensitivity that captures OGF, and the third is increasing the output of OGF.
When a person takes LDN, the receptors are only blocked for a few hours. This creates a rebound effect, boosting endorphin levels even higher. This results in several benefits including:
A reduction in cancer risk
LDN has been found to reduce the risk of cancer. One report found that LDN affected tumors including non-small cell lung cancer at the cellular level through augmentation of the immune system. Additionally, a mouse study published in Science Direct found that LDN inhibited colorectal cancer progression and promoted apoptosis.
A reduction chronic pain
There is strong clinical evidence that LDN reduces chronic pain. For example, LDN can be effective in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body. One cohort study found that low-dose naltrexone reduced fibromyalgia symptoms in the entire cohort, with a reduction greater than 30% compared to the placebo.
Additionally, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover trial assessed daily pain levels and found that it significantly reduced baseline pain.
A reduction in inflammation
Inflammation can cause severe and life-threatening health conditions. With LDN, inflammation and its potential threats can be reduced. This is seen with the lowering of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), a marker of inflammation in the body.
In a 10-week crossover trial published in Biomedicines, it was discovered that LDN was associated with a reduction in plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory interleukin cytokines, as well as transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor.
An improvement in mood
As mentioned previously, LDN can increase endorphins. Endorphins trigger positive feelings in the body, making you feel happier and energized. Because of this, one of the benefits of LDN is improved overall mood and sense of well-being.
Weight loss
Another benefit of LDN is weight loss. A study published in Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes looked at LDN use with hyperandrogenic women. The results of the study found that naltrexone use helped lower fasting insulin levels by up to 40%. Additionally, a study of obese women found that naltrexone could help increase growth hormone levels which can increase lean body mass development and the ability to burn fat. Lastly, a third study found that when combined with Bupropion, it was more effective for weight loss than taking Bupropion alone.
In addition to these incredible benefits, LDN has been found to reduce brain fog and fatigue,
modulate the immune system and reduce the chance of autoimmunity.
These benefits result from the impact LDN has on a cellular level. When taken, you can experience several or all of these benefits, improving longevity and delaying aging. To receive these benefits, you will need a prescription for the drug. This can be accessed through a pharmacy specializing in longevity therapies where you will also receive a personalized consultation to determine the proper dosage.
For example, with the telehealth subscription service AgelessRx.com you can visit their website to register for a free medical evaluation. Following this, you can purchase a one-month or three-month subscription. Generally, a 4.5mg dose will be prescribed, although the doctor may recommend a different dose during the medical intake process.
You should take LDN daily at bedtime between 9 pm and 2 am to achieve the benefits listed here. When you start taking it, you will begin at a lower dose of about 1.5mg and gradually work your way up to about 4.5mg. There are both short-term and long-term benefits you will experience. The long-term benefits are the prevention of diseases, and short-term benefits include a reduction in symptoms related to inflammation such as back pain, fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain.
LDN is incredibly safe, but you could experience some mild to moderate side effects when you start taking it. These side effects typically diminish with five days and can be reduced by starting with a low dose.
If the projections are correct, you may live a longer, healthier, and happier life than your parents and grandparents. LDN is proof of the incredible medical advancements that can improve the length and quality of life.
