This article will debunk some of the claims made by detox foot pad manufacturers and discuss the body’s natural methods of detoxifying itself.
What Are Detox Foot Pads?
Detox foot pads are adhesive patches that are placed on the bottom of your feet before you go to bed at night.
The product is left in place while you sleep. It’s claimed that ions in the pads draw toxins—like heavy metals—out of your body.
When you wake up in the morning, the pads are typically discolored and may be stained with a brown or blackish hue. The manufacturers of this product claim (incorrectly) that this is proof that harmful or toxic materials were effectively removed from your body.
Do Detox Foot Pads Work?
Unfortunately, many of the claims made by the makers of detox foot pads are both false and misleading. There is no evidence that the pads detoxify the body or that they can be used to treat any medical condition. In fact, not only might this product be both a waste of money and time, but its ingredients can actually cause harmful side effects, as noted below.
Claims About Detox Foot Pads
In addition to drawing out toxins, claims by manufacturers of this product include that the foot pads are beneficial for other medical conditions.
For instance, Kinoki has asserted that its product is able to decrease headaches and insomnia, reduce the effects of depression, lower high blood pressure, and eliminate parasites from the body. The company also suggested that the patches could be used to treat arthritis, diabetes, and a compromised immune system.
Each of these claims has been found to be both false and misleading. To date, there is no research that supports the use of foot pads to treat any medical condition nor is there any proof that they detoxify the body.
Why Do Detox Foot Pads Change Color
Foot pad manufacturers often point to changes in the color of the patch as proof that toxins are being removed from the body. This claim, however, is also inaccurate.
The dark color that is often seen on these pads after use is actually a result of the wood vinegar that they are infused with. When this substance is mixed with the perspiration from your foot, a color change occurs. In fact, the same blackish or brownish hue can also be seen if the patch is spritzed with tap water.
Risks and Side Effects From Detox Foot Pads
While they do not provide any actual benefits, detox foot pads are often viewed as being relatively harmless, but this is not necessarily the case. Most of the foot patches are infused with either wood or bamboo vinegar to provide the color changes while you wear them.
These substances contain pyroligneous acid, an ingredient that can cause a number of side effects, including localized burning or irritation of the skin. In addition, this acid can cause dizziness or difficulty breathing if it is inhaled.
Because of this, the use of these foot patches is not without risk.
Detox and the Body
While people spend large amounts of time and money trying to cleanse their bodies of toxins, in most cases body cleansing is unnecessary. This is because your body has its own natural methods of removing harmful substances, as described below.
How the Body Detoxifies Naturally
The two types of toxins found in the body are:
Endotoxins are substances that are created as a byproduct during normal bodily functions. This includes things like lactic acid buildup after exercise or fecal matter production after digestion. Exotoxins are toxic substances that are inhaled from the environment or consumed when you eat or drink.
No matter the type of toxin, your liver is designed to process and eliminate these toxins. It does this by filtering harmful substances from your bloodstream and converting them into waste products. It also transforms nutrients and medications into beneficial proteins. Keeping this organ healthy is the key to effectively detoxifying your body.
Signs and Symptoms of Poor Liver Function
There are several telltale signs that can indicate your liver is functioning inefficiently and not properly filtering out toxins. These include:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, indicating a bilirubin buildup) Stomach pain or swelling Itchy skin Swollen legs or ankles Dark urine Pale stool Chronic fatigue Bruising easily
Paying attention to the presence of these symptoms can help alert you to a potential problem with this organ. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to discuss any concerns you have about your liver.
How to Improve Liver Function Naturally
Instead of taking supplements or using detox foot pads, there are several steps that you can take to ensure that your liver is functioning effectively. These include:
Avoid excessive alcohol use. Maintain a healthy body weight. Avoid recreational drug use or unprotected sex with multiple partners (which may increase your risk of contracting hepatitis). Get screened for liver disease if it runs in yourfamily. Stay hydrated. Avoiding unsafe detox practices. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.
Summary
Detox foot pads are advertised as a natural way to remove toxins from the body as you sleep. They have been deemed useless and their manufacturers were penalized by the FTC for making deceptive health claims. The ingredients found in the patches may even be harmful. Keeping your liver functioning effectively is the most effective way to naturally detoxify the body.
A Word From Verywell
If you are feeling sluggish or under the weather, it may be tempting to give detox foot pads a try. Unfortunately, doing so is likely a waste of your time and money. Take heart, though, in knowing that there are easy steps you can take to ensure that your liver is properly detoxifying your body.
Following the guidelines detailed above and speaking to your healthcare provider about your concerns can help put you on a healthier path and maximize the natural effectiveness of your liver.
