Sore throats – we’ve all had ’em before. They often kick off colds, the flu, or other pesky viruses and while you’ve likely tried various home remedies and over-the-counter meds, recent studies showcase how gargling with Betadine (the most common name brand of povidone-iodine) can ease throat misery. But there’s compelling reasons to think about nascent iodine instead of Betadine, given its internal benefits and safety.
Betadine: Tried and True Against Sore Throats
Betadine, a type of povidone-iodine, has long been used for its antiseptic properties. Surgeons use Betadine surgical scrub to cleanse hands and forearms before operating. In many households Betadine is commonly put on wounds to prevent infection. And it works well. Lately, its utility as a gargle for sore throats has gotten some spotlight.
In one study, 61 volunteers mouth washed with distilled water, chlorhexidine, or 1% povidone-iodine for 30 seconds each. The viral load was tested before and after rinsing. Both chlorhexidine and 1% povidone-iodine effectively lowered the viral load.
A summary of 21 studies in 16 countries with over 3,000 participants of povidone-iodine (there have been quite a few lately!) shows a significant reduction in COVID-19 symptoms.
In 18 studies that examined viral clearance, povidone-iodine reduced viral loads effectively. In the control groups, viral clearance was seen in 37/732 cases while with povidone-iodine treatment it was 313/738 cases. So, you can see why people have opened up the medicine cabinet and grabbed the Betadine when they feel a sore throat coming on. Early treatment always works better than waiting for the infection to get fully established.
Betadine’s antiseptic action works by discharging iodine, which infiltrates microbial cells and throws their function out of whack, ultimately killing them. This makes Betadine a solid pick for easing viral throat misery.
Betadine’s Drawbacks
While Betadine works great for cleaning scrapes and cuts it’s mostly meant for external use. You could gargle with it if you had a sore throat or something, but drinking a bunch of it regularly probably isn’t the best idea. It can stain your teeth, disrupt thyroid function since it has iodine, or cause allergic reactions for some people. This shows we need to find something safer to swallow that still gets the job done.
A Better Iodine Gargle
Nascent iodine could be that better option for sore throats. In nascent iodine the iodine is broken down into single atoms instead of molecules. This allows our bodies to absorb and use it more efficiently making nascent iodine highly bioavailable and effective while still being safe to ingest. This makes it more effective at lower doses, which makes it safer for thyroid function. The alcohol in nascent iodine also may make it more effective. There is some evidence that povidone-iodine in alcohol works better than just water, so it might work better in nascent iodine as well.
Here’s why nascent iodine beats Betadine:
Safe to Swallow
Unlike Betadine, nascent iodine is purposefully made to be consumed by mouth safely. So you skip out on the risks that come with drinking something not really intended to be swallowed.
Better Absorption
Since its just individual atoms of iodine, our bodies absorb nascent iodine better. That means we can use smaller amounts but still get the health perks we want without worrying as much about possible side effects.
Supports Thyroid Function
Iodine plays a key role in supporting thyroid health and overall wellbeing. Nascent iodine, in particular offers versatility as both a gargle and a supplement. With thyroid dysfunction on the rise, nascent iodine provides a safe way to ensure adequate iodine intake.
How to Use Nascent Iodine for Gargling
To use nascent iodine as a gargle for a sore throat, we recommend diluting a few drops (3 – 10 drops) in about 2 tablespoons of purified or distilled water and gargle for 30 seconds to one minute. This can be repeated several times a day, especially at the onset of symptoms. The nascent iodine solution can also be swallowed, providing additional internal benefits and supporting overall immune health.
Gargling with Betadine?
Don’t have nascent iodine, but you do have a sore throat and Betadine? Well, take out your bottle of first aid grade Betadine. Add just a few drops of Betadine to your water for gargling, about 2 tablespoons. Then gargle for 30 seconds to one minute. This can be repeated up to about 4 times a day for a week or so if needed.
Preventive Use of Iodine
If you are around people that are sick with a respiratory infection (who isn’t these days?) it would be a great idea to gargle with iodine (nascent or Betadine, depending on what you have) shortly after leaving them, and certainly before going to sleep that night. This will help reduce your risk of catching their infection. For long term preventive use nascent iodine is a better choice.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, even though Betadine can help reduce throat pain, nascent iodine looks like a safer choice that does more. It gets absorbed better, it is completely safe to swallow, and has extra perks for your health. For people with sore throats, it powerfully eases symptoms while giving your overall health a boost.
For people interested in nascent iodine, Hallelujah Diet’s Nascent Iodine is top quality. At 2 drops a serving, this 1-ounce bottle is a year’s supply. And you have emergency medicine for your next sore throat.
