Dr Igor Schwartzman shares his LDN Experience on the LDN Radio Show 2016

Summary:

Dr. Igor Schwartzman is from the United States. He first heard about low dose naltrexone (LDN) around 2011 when learning about small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a gut flora imbalance and changes in gut motility. Treating SIBO includes treating gut motility secondly. Many of his patients have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is autoimmune hypothyroidism; and a large number also have SIBO. LDN can be used as a prokinetic (pro = for, kinesis = movement). 

He also learned about other autoimmune conditions LDN can treat. In addition to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Dr. Schwartzman treats patients with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions, gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease. He treats SIBO in stages: managing overgrowth, which may include herbal or conventional antibiotics, fasting, appropriate diets; and focusing on motility, which involves herbal treatments, LDN as a prokinetic, and continuing dietary intervention. He sees food as medicine, and where things begin.

Typically, patients with gastrointestinal or endocrine disorders including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, etc., generally have various food sensitivities or allergies. Patients with SIBO generally are on an individualized blend-specific carbohydrate diet with low FODMAPs, using anti-inflammatory foods. Once the gut and the barriers in the mucosal membranes heal, other food can be reintroduced, but it is a slow process.

The usual side effects of LDN he notes include vivid dreams, for which he recommends taking LDN in the morning if they do not enjoy those dreams. Most patients feel benefit during the first month, commonly describing a sense of wellbeing, and improved tolerance and distress resistance. He estimates 75% of patient see benefit, and the others don’t necessarily see any change.

About 85% of Dr. Schwartzman’s patients have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and at least half are on LDN, 100+ patients. People are even coming in requesting LDN – some have read LDN Research Trust’s  The LDN Book, so come educated. Dr. Schwartzman spoke his appreciation of Linda Elsegood, for all the work, heart, and soul she puts into bringing awareness to LDN.

Dr. Schwartzman can be reached at Whole Family Wellness Center in Portland Oregon. The website is http://wfwcenter.com/, and the phone number is 802-490-5009. He has patients contact him by phone, or email through the website.

Summary from Dr. Igor Schwartzman, listen to the video for the show.

Keywords: LDN, low dose naltrexone, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, SIBO, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune, diet, The LDN Book