LDN and Immune System: Integrative Functional Medicine near me San Antonio TX, Quincy IL, MO, FL, GA

John Kim
Aug 26
7 min read

LDN and Immune System: Low IgG and gets sick often: Original LDN Therapy book focusing on Evidence Based Review and Case Histories - a bit outdated - there is also 2025 version - available on Amazon

Summary of the Individual with Question:

Exploring Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Infection Susceptibility

Starting the Journey with LDN

About six weeks ago, this individual began treatment with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

Medical Background

Health journey is shaped by a collection of chronic conditions:

Lichen Sclerosus
Mildly reduced IgG levels (not low enough to qualify for NHS support)

In addition, experiences:

Frequent infections disrupting daily life
Possible mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), given episodes of spontaneous hives and prior anaphylaxis
Elevated rheumatoid factor, though no other inflammatory markers

Why LDN?

The main goal of starting LDN is to see if it can reduce the frequency of infections. Occasional illness is manageable—but the current level is excessive and life-limiting. LDN is, in many ways, my “last resort” option in the search for a sustainable solution.

What’s Already Optimized

To give context, many potential contributors to infection risk have already been addressed. This individual's daily routines and environment are carefully designed for optimal health, so suggestions in these areas aren’t needed:

Sleep & circadian health: excellent sleep hygiene, morning light exposure, darkness at night
Lifestyle: non-smoker, no alcohol use, regular exercise (resistance + cardio when well), daily daylight exposure (minimum 2 hours with the dog)
Diet: whole-food approach, high-quality local meat, minimal processed foods, very low sugar intake (dark chocolate being the exception)
Targeted nutrition: daily smoothie with colostrum, spirulina, beetroot powder, mushroom powder, inulin, creatine, and 180g of berries
Supplements: vitamin C, NAC, quercetin, CoQ10, NAD, fish oil, zinc, garlic oil, thymus extract, IgG capsules, plus echinacea during active infections
Environmental factors: low-pollution rural living, no mold in the home, and other family members (aside from one daughter with hEDS) are generally healthy
Other tools: red light panel every morning, optimized vitamin D levels, allergy testing (only mild pollen sensitivity)

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Immune Function: A Potential Role in Mild Immunodeficiency

What is LDN?

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is typically prescribed in doses between 0.1–5 mg daily, much lower than the standard amounts used for treating opioid dependence. Unlike higher doses, LDN acts as an immunomodulator rather than a pure opioid antagonist.

Its mechanism involves a transient blockade of opioid receptors, which stimulates the body to produce more endorphins and opioid growth factors. These changes in turn regulate the immune system by:

Antagonizing Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), thereby reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release
Decreasing microglial activation, which contributes to inflammation
Encouraging immune balance, such as:
- Supporting Th1 lymphocyte proliferation
- Enhancing natural killer (NK) cell activity
- Shifting macrophages toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes

LDN and Mild IgG Deficiency

For individuals with slightly reduced immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels—a condition that increases susceptibility to frequent infections—LDN may hold promise.

Research suggests that LDN can:

Enhance both humoral and cellular immunity
Increase interferon-γ production
Improve CD8+ T cell function
Help restore immune balance without causing immunosuppression

In cases of immune dysregulation, such as autoimmunity or mild immunodeficiency, some patients have reported fewer infections, less inflammation, and overall symptom improvement while using LDN.

The Evidence So Far

While encouraging, current evidence is still preliminary:

Most findings come from case reports, patient surveys, and small-scale studies
Few randomized controlled trials exist—especially those directly examining IgG levels or infection rates in mildly immunodeficient patients
The need for larger, high-quality studies remains critical before drawing firm conclusions

Bottom Line

LDN represents a promising but experimental option for individuals with mild immunodeficiency and recurrent infections. It appears to work by rebalancing immune activity rather than suppressing it, which sets it apart from conventional immunosuppressive therapies.

Anyone considering LDN should consult a qualified healthcare professional to evaluate personal suitability, potential interactions, and monitoring needs.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any treatment decisions.

References

🇩🇪 Deutsch (German)

Zusammenfassung der betroffenen Person:

Erforschung von Low Dose Naltrexon (LDN) zur Infektionsanfälligkeit

Beginn mit LDNVor etwa sechs Wochen begann diese Person eine Behandlung mit Low Dose Naltrexon (LDN).

Medizinischer HintergrundDie gesundheitliche Situation ist geprägt von mehreren chronischen Erkrankungen:

Lichen sclerosus
Leicht erniedrigte IgG-Werte (nicht niedrig genug für NHS-Unterstützung)

Zusätzlich treten auf:

Häufige Infektionen, die den Alltag erheblich beeinträchtigen
Mögliches Mastzellaktivierungssyndrom (MCAS) mit spontanen Nesselsucht-Episoden und früherer Anaphylaxie
Erhöhter Rheumafaktor, jedoch ohne weitere Entzündungsmarker

Warum LDN?Das Hauptziel ist es, mit LDN die Häufigkeit von Infektionen zu reduzieren. Gelegentliche Erkrankungen sind akzeptabel – das aktuelle Niveau ist jedoch übermäßig hoch und lebensbeschränkend.

Bereits optimierte FaktorenViele mögliche Ursachen für ein erhöhtes Infektionsrisiko wurden bereits adressiert:

Schlaf & zirkadiane Gesundheit: gute Schlafhygiene, Licht am Morgen, Dunkelheit in der Nacht
Lebensstil: Nichtraucher, kein Alkohol, regelmäßiger Sport (Kraft & Ausdauer), täglicher Aufenthalt im Freien (mindestens 2 Stunden mit Hund)
Ernährung: vollwertig, hochwertiges regionales Fleisch, minimale verarbeitete Lebensmittel, sehr wenig Zucker (außer dunkle Schokolade)
Gezielte Ernährung: täglicher Smoothie mit Kolostrum, Spirulina, Rote-Bete-Pulver, Pilzpulver, Inulin, Kreatin und 180 g Beeren
Nahrungsergänzungsmittel: Vitamin C, NAC, Quercetin, CoQ10, NAD, Fischöl, Zink, Knoblauchöl, Thymusextrakt, IgG-Kapseln, plus Echinacea bei Infekten
Umwelt: ländliche, schadstoffarme Umgebung, kein Schimmel im Haus, andere Familienmitglieder gesund (außer Tochter mit hEDS)
Weitere Maßnahmen: Rotlicht am Morgen, optimierter Vitamin-D-Spiegel, Allergietests (nur leichte Pollenallergie)

LDN und ImmunsystemLDN wird in sehr niedrigen Dosen (0,1–5 mg) eingesetzt und wirkt immunmodulierend. Es blockiert vorübergehend Opioidrezeptoren und regt die Bildung von Endorphinen an. Dies führt zu:

Verringerung von Entzündungsbotenstoffen (Zytokinen)
Verminderter Mikroglia-Aktivierung
Förderung der Immunbalance: mehr Th1-Lymphozyten, stärkere NK-Zellen, Verschiebung von Makrophagen zu entzündungshemmenden Formen

LDN und IgG-MangelBei leicht erniedrigten IgG-Werten könnte LDN helfen, Infektanfälligkeit zu senken, indem es humorale und zelluläre Immunität stärkt.

FazitLDN ist eine vielversprechende, aber noch experimentelle Option. Größere Studien sind notwendig. Eine ärztliche Begleitung ist unerlässlich.

🇳🇱 Nederlands (Dutch)

Samenvatting van de betrokkene:

Verkenning van Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) bij infectiegevoeligheid

Start met LDNOngeveer zes weken geleden begon deze persoon met de behandeling met Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).

Medische achtergrondDe gezondheid wordt beïnvloed door meerdere chronische aandoeningen:

Lichen sclerosus
Licht verlaagde IgG-spiegels (niet laag genoeg voor NHS-ondersteuning)

Daarnaast:

Frequente infecties die het dagelijks leven verstoren
Mogelijk mestcelactivatiesyndroom (MCAS) met spontane netelroos en eerdere anafylaxie
Verhoogde reumafactor, zonder andere ontstekingsmarkers

Waarom LDN?Het doel is het verminderen van de infectiefrequentie. Af en toe ziek zijn is acceptabel, maar het huidige niveau is buitensporig en levensbeperkend.

Reeds geoptimaliseerdVeel mogelijke risicofactoren zijn al aangepakt:

Slaap & circadiaans ritme: goede slaaphygiëne, ochtendlicht, duisternis ’s nachts
Levensstijl: niet-roker, geen alcohol, regelmatige training (kracht + cardio), dagelijks minstens 2 uur buiten (met hond)
Dieet: volwaardig, lokaal vlees van hoge kwaliteit, minimale bewerkte voeding, weinig suiker (behalve pure chocolade)
Gerichte voeding: dagelijkse smoothie met colostrum, spirulina, bietpoeder, paddenstoelenpoeder, inuline, creatine en 180 g bessen
Supplementen: vitamine C, NAC, quercetine, CoQ10, NAD, visolie, zink, knoflookolie, thymusextract, IgG-capsules, plus echinacea bij infecties
Omgeving: landelijke, schone lucht, geen schimmel in huis, andere gezinsleden gezond (behalve dochter met hEDS)
Overige hulpmiddelen: roodlichttherapie ’s ochtends, optimale vitamine D, allergietesten (alleen lichte pollengevoeligheid)

LDN en immuunsysteemLDN in lage doses (0,1–5 mg) werkt als immunomodulator. Het blokkeert tijdelijk opioidreceptoren en stimuleert endorfinen, wat leidt tot:

Vermindering van ontstekingscytokinen
Minder microgliale activatie
Bevordering van immuunevenwicht: meer Th1-lymfocyten, sterkere NK-cellen, verschuiving van macrofagen naar ontstekingsremmende profielen

LDN en IgG-tekortBij licht verlaagde IgG-waarden kan LDN mogelijk de infectiegevoeligheid verminderen door zowel humorale als cellulaire immuniteit te versterken.

ConclusieLDN is veelbelovend maar nog experimenteel. Meer grootschalig onderzoek is nodig. Medisch toezicht is aanbevolen.

🇮🇹 Italiano (Italian)

Riassunto dell’individuo:

Esplorare la Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) per la suscettibilità alle infezioni

Inizio con LDNCirca sei settimane fa, questa persona ha iniziato il trattamento con Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).

Storia clinicaIl percorso di salute è caratterizzato da diverse condizioni croniche:

Lichen sclerosus
Livelli di IgG leggermente ridotti (non abbastanza bassi per il supporto NHS)

Inoltre presenta:

Infezioni frequenti che compromettono la vita quotidiana
Possibile sindrome da attivazione mastocitaria (MCAS) con orticaria spontanea e precedenti episodi di anafilassi
Fattore reumatoide elevato, ma senza altri segni infiammatori

Perché LDN?L’obiettivo principale è ridurre la frequenza delle infezioni. Alcune malattie occasionali sono gestibili, ma l’attuale livello è eccessivo e limitante.

Cosa è già ottimizzatoMolti fattori di rischio sono già stati affrontati:

Sonno & ritmo circadiano: buona igiene del sonno, esposizione alla luce al mattino, buio la notte
Stile di vita: non fumatore, niente alcol, esercizio regolare (forza + cardio), esposizione quotidiana alla luce del giorno (almeno 2 ore con il cane)
Alimentazione: dieta a base di cibi integrali, carne locale di alta qualità, pochi alimenti processati, pochissimo zucchero (tranne cioccolato fondente)
Nutrizione mirata: frullato giornaliero con colostro, spirulina, polvere di barbabietola, polvere di funghi, inulina, creatina e 180 g di frutti di bosco
Integratori: vitamina C, NAC, quercetina, CoQ10, NAD, olio di pesce, zinco, olio d’aglio, estratto di timo, capsule di IgG, più echinacea durante le infezioni
Ambiente: zona rurale a bassa inquinamento, nessuna muffa in casa, altri membri della famiglia sani (eccetto la figlia con hEDS)
Altri strumenti: pannello a luce rossa ogni mattina, livelli di vitamina D ottimali, test allergologici (solo lieve sensibilità ai pollini)

LDN e sistema immunitarioLDN a basse dosi (0,1–5 mg) agisce come immunomodulatore. Blocca temporaneamente i recettori degli oppioidi, stimolando la produzione di endorfine. Questo comporta:

Riduzione delle citochine pro-infiammatorie
Minore attivazione delle microglia
Maggiore equilibrio immunitario: proliferazione delle cellule Th1, aumento dell’attività NK, passaggio dei macrofagi a fenotipi anti-infiammatori

LDN e deficit lieve di IgGIn presenza di IgG leggermente ridotte, LDN potrebbe aiutare a rafforzare sia l’immunità umorale che quella cellulare.

ConclusioniLDN appare come un’opzione promettente ma ancora sperimentale. Sono necessari studi più ampi e controllati. È fondamentale la supervisione medica.

Yoon Hang Kim MD

Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Kim
2004 Graduation - Tucson, AZ