As environmental pollution continues to be a growing problem, people are becoming concerned about how this affects human bodies. As a result, detox programs and processes are part of a health trend that seeks to purge the body of toxins. One of the more popular adaptations is foot detox baths, which can be easily found in wellness spas or even done at home with specific products.
Why Do You Need a Foot Detox?
The purpose of detoxification is to remove harmful toxins and heavy metals from your body. Some people believe that these accumulate in the body from exposure to pollution and various everyday chemicals, like cleaning agents and personal products. A foot detox supposedly allows these toxins to be drawn out through the feet, which restores balance to the body.
Apart from removing toxins, some of the purported benefits of foot detox include:
- A more balanced body pH or acidity and alkalinity
- Increased immunity against diseases
- Better cardiovascular health
- Stress relief
- Weight loss
Though there are many health benefits associated with doing a foot detox, it is not appropriate for treating common foot ailments like blisters or bunions. If you have a fungal infection, it is best to get proper nail fungus treatment Singapore residents can trust. These conditions require proper medical attention as they may worsen without the right treatment.
Does Foot Detox Work?
The human body naturally detoxifies itself using the liver and kidneys. You also remove toxins when you urinate, defecate, or sweat. However, advocates for detox treatments believe that people are exposed to more toxins compared to before and that the body requires additional assistance in removing these toxins.
Currently, limited research exists on the effectiveness of foot detox but the existing data does not support its claims. A popular foot detox bath called IonCleanse was used in a 2012 study to see if using it would affect the toxin levels in the users’ bodies. Researchers used hair and urine samples from six participants to determine the levels of potentially toxic elements like aluminum, arsenic, and lead in their bodies. They also checked the chemical composition of the water before and after it was used in the detox foot baths. Results showed no change in toxin levels of the water or of the participants. Additionally, the collected hair and urine samples seemed to indicate that the detoxification functions of the liver and kidneys seemed unchanged after using the foot detox bath.
While there is little evidence that foot detox is effective for removing toxins, the therapy may improve blood circulation in the area when heat is applied. It can also promote relaxation since warm water can help soothe aches and pains.
What Are the Different Types of Foot Detox?
Wellness centres usually offer an ionic foot bath treatment, which uses a specially designed tub. It is attached to a machine that ionizes the water used for soaking your feet. The charged particles are meant to attract the toxins and draw them out as your feet soak for the recommended time. A change in the colour of the water supposedly signifies that the detox is successful, but oftentimes this is simply caused by the removal of dirt and dead skin cells from the feet.
Ionic foot bath machines may also be purchased for home use but, as these are quite expensive, a more affordable alternative is to simply soak your feet in a tub of warm water. You may add Epsom salt to soothe aches and soften skin.
Additionally, there are non-bath foot treatments that are also supposed to have detoxification benefits.
- Foot scrubs have gritty, sand-like granules to exfoliate dead skin and soften calluses.
- Foot masks containing clay are allowed to sit on the skin for a few minutes before washing off.
- Adhesive foot pads are designed to be stuck on your soles and worn overnight so they can absorb toxins while you sleep.
Is It Safe to Do a Foot Detox?
Foot detox is generally safe for most people if the instructions are followed correctly. However, some ionic foot machines may cause negative reactions like dizziness and nausea. As such, foot detox baths may not be recommended for the following:
- Young children
- Expectant mothers
- Individuals with allergies to the substances used for detox
- Individuals with serious illnesses like heart disease
- Individuals with open wounds or ongoing infections
To ensure your safety, it is best to consult your physician before doing a foot detox bath or trying a similar treatment.
The detoxification effects of foot detox treatments require further study for validation, but you can simply enjoy this therapy as a way to relax and soothe aching feet. The ionic foot detox bath is the most popular option and available in most health spas, but you can also try a simple foot soak with a tub of warm water. If you do feel worried about being exposed to toxins, discuss your concerns with your doctor so they can properly assess your condition.