There has been a growing global concern for respiratory health particularly with the challenges posed by new viral threats such as the SARS-CoV-2 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Even though the conventional methods of fighting viruses need most of the attention, recent studies shed light on the importance of iodine, especially the iodide form of iodine, in enhancing our respiratory defenses against coronavirus disease and other viral infections.
This blog post aims to discuss the ways in which iodine can be used to enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections in the respiratory system and the different ways you can include this important element in your everyday life.
Introduction to Iodine and Respiratory Health
Iodine has always been associated with treating wounds and germs that cause respiratory-related diseases making it the strongest weapon against respiratory infections. In the early 1900s iodine was used to treat tuberculosis and other respiratory health problems. Presently, iodine is readily available in the form of povidone iodine, elemental iodine, and essential iodine.
One of the most common antiseptics is povidone iodine and it is extraordinary in the avoidance and treatment of respiratory tract infections. Essential Iodine Drops are constant supplements that assist in maintaining proper levels of iodine within the body which in turn helps to support the thyroid’s functioning.
With appropriate dosage units of iodine included in their daily regimes, body immunity witnessed a boost in fighting a battle against various microorganisms.
Iodine and Respiratory Infections: A Crucial Connection
The respiratory system is equipped with a mechanism that prevents most infectious agents from reaching the lungs. This is mainly realized as part of one oxidative host defense that involves various enzymes and components capable of neutralizing viruses and bacteria.
One enzyme which is quite important in this regard is lactoperoxidase (LPO). In fact, LPO, when activated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiocyanate, synthesizes hypothiocyanite which is a highly antimicrobial compound.
Iodide (an ionized form of iodine) is even more effective at inactivating viruses such as RSV, in the presence of ionized (higher) concentration of iodide in the airway then LPO makes hypoiodous acid instead. This molecule makes iodide an important element in respiratory system health.
The Antiviral Activity of Iodine
The list of viruses that iodine can target is not short; it includes SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, the MERS virus and even viruses responsible for different kinds of influenza. The mechanism that iodine possesses, which inactivates viral particles, is the active form of iodine found within iodine, making it capable of stopping the viruses from replicating and spreading.
Research has shown that iodine has worked against the SARS-CoV-2 strains. When viruses are present in droplets, Iodine acts on their cations thereby decreasing their transfer between people.
Iodine is effective against viruses including MERS and influenza as well. This means that iodine can be classified as a true and diverse antiviral agent. The use of iodine should be further encouraged as it helps the body surface more effectively combat viruses.
Real-World Evidence: The Lamb Model Study on SARS CoV 2
One such robust study, involving newborn lambs, was performed to test the usefulness of iodide in prevention of respiratory infections. Lambs were infected with RSV prior to being subjected to intragastric administration of potassium iodide (KI).
The data was impressive. KI-treated lambs exhibited a ten times increase in the iodide concentration of stamped in their airway secretions, which resulted in a considerable reduction in RSV syndrome.
These lambs had lower viral loads, milder lung lesions and lower levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-8. This work leads to a conclusion that iodine supplementation can be utilized in all age groups to boost lung defenses and the extent of viral infections. The use of intranasal povidone iodine (PVP-I) has been shown to reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 through its virucidal activity, making it an effective method for inactivating the virus and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Povidone Iodine vs. Hydrogen Peroxide: A Comparative Study
In another work, PVP-I was confronted with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for their effectiveness as oral antiseptic rinses against the SARS-CoV-2. Of the two, PVP-I ranked as the superior antiseptic.
Research work has established that povidone iodine gargle is very efficient in averting infections because of its antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens including viruses and bacteria.
PVP-I achieved complete inactivation of the virus in just 15 seconds at a concentration of just 0.5%. This work underlines the efficiency of iodine containing formulations in the management of viral infections especially during pandemics.
Understanding the Iodine-Iodide Relationship
Iodine and iodide are terms which people usually confound, since they tend to be used in tandem so often. However, the two should not be confused as iodine is a mineral that is necessary in the production of thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism, growth and development. In the body, iodine gets converted into iodide which works in numerous biochemical processes including enhancing the respiratory system’s efficiency.
Besides thyroid gland activity, iodide is also known to play an active role in the respiratory tract’s oxidative defense system by destroying dangerous microorganisms in the lungs. This activity is important in times of cold and flu and during viral epidemics, hence maintaining iodine levels is crucial to sustaining good respiratory health.
Additionally, iodine can be used to decontaminate oral cavities to reduce the virus burden during healthcare procedures, particularly in the context of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Shelton, oozing, chubby iodine, consider yourself lucky. Though developing iodine deficiency may take years, it is often just a matter of time before its effects begin to show. To make matters worse, most people do not even know the severity of the upcoming situation. The symptoms appear to be so redundant that they are misdiagnosed. Add to that you start experiencing chronic respiratory infections.
Povidone Iodine as a Nasal or Oral Antiseptic
Considered one of the most efficient antiseptics of nasal or oral cavities, povidone iodine offers protection against a variety of respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. The use of nasal and oral sprays may help in curtailing the spread of respiratory infections, thus enhancing the breathing process.
In medical settings, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, povidone iodine is routinely used to prevent the spread of infections. Its efficacy in these environments highlights its potential for broader use in everyday preventive care. By incorporating povidone iodine as a nasal or oral antiseptic, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and others from respiratory infections, particularly during times of heightened viral activity.
Boost Your Respiratory Health with Iodine
Well, that’s not the case here. This is what iodine does – it prevents the thyroid gland from producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormone and thyroid glands to grow significantly. But, as iron in your body continues to rise, there will be a battle to take place – iron overload can very easily lead to hypothyroidism.
Topical povidone iodine is also used as a preventive treatment protocol to effectively inactivate respiratory viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2, in the upper aerodigestive tract. It has virucidal properties and a safety profile for mucosal tolerance, which may significantly reduce viral load and transmission risk during medical procedures involving the aerodigestive tract.
It is also important to consider the effects iodine can have on metabolism rate. Although there is limited literature, those who take doses of 600 mgs are in rare cases observed to experience hyperthyroidism due to the inhibition of thyroid hormone production.
How Does Iodine as a Nasal or Oral Antiseptic Help in Defending the Body Against Germs?
The absorption of sodium iodide into epithelial cells allows cells to mobilize inflammatory inflammatory vectors when needed. These are normally kept at rest. They go into attack mode when infected. With the eyes being glued shut by hours of liquid and eye absolute cement mascara, employees at the clinic became creative to look moisturizing instead.
Iodine is also effective against oral tract pathogens, making it a valuable antiseptic and mouthwash for infection control during medical procedures.
Although hydration is critically important, wounding and uncomfortable during swim training, the more interesting point is how parents can avoid iodine thickening especially during physical activity.
Despite these advantages, the likelihood of getting an obscene amount of iodine intake is unlikely. Most parents, when told that iodine is good for their health, throw out the iodine supplements and never use them again. There is a significant portion of populations that do not engage in expensive activities: in fact, they often go out for food and snacks.
If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health, then Iodine Pure has a few options such as EZ Clear Skin spray and Easy Clear Nails that you might be interested in. Support your respiratory health and immune system with iodine products. Don’t postpone anymore and place your order now.
Safety and Efficacy of Iodine
Iodine is safe and useful if used as intended. However, caution should be taken, especially with certain strong preparations and their side effects. For example, the elemental iodine can provoke a skin irritant and allergic reactions if applied carelessly. Elemental iodine in excess is also toxic if ingested.
Povidone iodine is another example, with povidone iodine being safe for topical applications and easily available as an antiseptic agent. Essential iodine drops containing elemental iodine are indeed healthy and useful if utilized within the set guidelines. By following the suggested usage directions, one can take advantage of the sensitivity of iodine whilst not suffering any adverse consequences.
Conclusion
To sum up, iodine is a very strong agent that is helpful in both the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections. It has an antiviral activity which is why it is suitable for use against infections such as SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens. There are many forms of iodine which include povidone iodine, essential iodine drops, and elemental iodine, all of which help maintain respiratory health and inhibit infectious disease transmission.
Povidone iodine is an oral or nasal antiseptic solution that is both safe and effective and can be used in many different situations to control the spread of respiratory tract infections. This will thus strengthen one's self defenses and promote wellness in subjects that incorporate iodine into their daily healthy practices.
References
- Fischer AJ, Lennemann NJ, Krishnamurthy S, et al. "Enhancement of respiratory mucosal antiviral defenses by the oxidation of iodide." Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2011 Oct;45(4):874-81. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2010-0329OC.
- Derscheid RJ, van Geelen A, Berkebile AR, et al. "Increased concentration of iodide in airway secretions is associated with reduced respiratory syncytial virus disease severity." Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2014 Feb;50(2):389-97. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2012-0529OC.
- Bidra AS, Pelletier JS, Westover JB, et al. "Comparison of in vitro inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 with hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine oral antiseptic rinses." J Prosthodont. 2020 Aug;29(7):599-603. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13220.
- Zimmermann MB. "The effects of iodine deficiency in pregnancy and infancy." Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2012;26(Suppl 1):108-17. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2012.01275.x.
