How Does A Detox Foot Bath Pull Out Toxins (2024)

A foot detox is a treatment that aims to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body through the feet, potentially improving health issues caused by heavy metals, inflammation, and other accumulated toxins. The process typically involves soaking the feet in a machine that emits a low-voltage electric current through the water. An ionizing machine sends out a low-voltage electric current to charge the atom, which works by pulling toxins out of the body through the feet. Foot detoxes are offered in spas and at-home tools, with the most popular being the ionic foot detox.

The theory behind foot detoxification revolves around the claim that our feet, being replete with nerve endings and sweat glands, can serve as a conduit for the expulsion of toxins. Particularly in ionic foot detoxes, an ionizing machine is used. The ions in the foot bath water supposedly hold a charge that enables them to bind to any heavy metals and toxins in the body, similar to how the nervous system relaxes during a foot bath.

Researchers found no evidence to suggest that foot detox baths help promote the elimination of toxic elements from the body. However, a foot bath can help soften skin and ease tension, and it is thought to relax the nervous system and aid in toxin removal. During a foot detox, the water in the foot soak will change colors, and when switched on, the electrodes rapidly rust in a chemical process called electrolysis, turning the water brown.

An ionic foot bath combines water, salt, and a small electrical current to produce charged ionic energy that helps promote detoxification. During this process, an array generates ions in the foot bath to create an area of greater concentration, and a slight electrical current is used to pull the toxins out through the feet. This allows the body to remove heavy metals and other toxic elements more efficiently.

Detox foot pads claim that they draw out harmful substances in the body called toxins during sleep, including heavy metals.

How do toxins leave the body through feet?

This process is said to give the hydrogen in the water a positive charge, which attracts the negatively charged toxins in your body. The ions in the foot bath water supposedly hold a charge that enables them to bind to any heavy metals and toxins in your body, similar to how a magnet works. This allows the toxins to be pulled out through the bottoms of your feet.

Most of what we know about ionic foot detoxes is anecdotal. Although research is limited, some evidence suggests that the practice isn’t effective.

In an older 2012 study, researchers took an in-depth look at the IonCleanse foot bath and found that the foot detox did nothing to reduce toxin levels in the body. They also concluded that the foot bath didn’t stimulate the body to remove toxins by itself, such as through the kidneys or liver.

Why am I so tired after foot detox?

Why do I feel energized or fatigued after a session?. People often feel either energized or fatigued after a session. Most detoxification is the result of positive ions being released in the body. When the body tissues begin to release toxins, the body will feel fatigue as it becomes overloaded in the attempt to void these toxins from the body. The energized feeling is due to the body receiving more negative ions that energize the body.

Does the Lectro Chi Premier Energy foot spa remove only harmful metals from the body?. No. The process will remove both harmful and good minerals from the body. The technology does not discriminate against which minerals are being removed. During a session your body may release toxic minerals such as cadmium, lead, copper, arsenic, and mercury. However, your body may also release beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, boron, etc.

This is why it is imperative that you replace the beneficial minerals. We recommended a good multi Vitamin with minerals.

Why do detox foot pads turn black?

Foot detox pads claim to have special ingredients, such as tourmaline crystals, that can emit electromagnetic waves. These are supposed to draw out impurities from your body. After leaving the sticky pads on overnight, you’ll probably notice that they change color.

So why do detoxifying foot pads turn black if they aren’t from toxins? It’s actually a chemical reaction. The pads contain wood vinegar, which darkens when it comes into contact with sweat from your feet.

• Lower your blood pressure
• Ease headaches
• Reduce cellulite
• Ease symptoms of depression
• Improve your life with diabetes
• Help you sleep better
• Increase weight loss
• Get rid of parasites
• Boost your immune system

If that sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is. While foot pads are probably not harmful, they also won’t give you the dramatic results you may be looking for.

What happens if you don’t rinse off after an Epsom salt bath?

If you decide not to rinse off afterwards, your body may benefit for longer from the purported healing properties of the salt. However, Epsom salts can sometimes have a drying effect, so you may want to have a quick rinse off afterwards, especially if you have dry skin anyway.

Hackney-born boutique home fragrance brand Earl of East is famous for its high-quality hand-poured candles – and its bath salts have the same premium feel. Inspired by the hot springs of Japan, Himalayan and Epsom salts are combined with eucalyptus, peppermint and mandarin essentials oils, delivering a fresh and herbaceous fragrance. Perfect for a relaxing and refreshing post-run soak.

Produced by Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness company, Goop, these rather lovely (but also rather extravagantly priced) bath salts are a luxurious addition to your post-run tub. Five salts – Epsom salt, Himalayan pink salt, Dead Sea salt, New Zealand solar salt and baking soda – are combined with matcha tea extract and activated charcoal, plus coriander, cardamom, grapefruit and helichrysum essential oils. They’re designed to detoxify your skin and draw out any impurities, and we can confirm that they leave you feeling squeaky clean post soak (especially when used after a rather sweaty speed session !).

These are made from 100% Pure Epsom Salt Minerals, with nothing else added, so are great if you have sensitive skin. Perfect for helping tired muscles unwind after a hard run – and come with a reasonable price tag.

Does Epsom salt remove toxins from feet?

While some advocates claim that an Epsom salt foot soak removes toxins from the body, there is no strong evidence to confirm this. However, the absorption of the magnesium through the skin may boost the levels of the mineral in the body and decrease inflammation. Reducing inflammation may ease pain and stiffness associated with conditions, such as arthritis and gout.

The crystallized compound structure of Epsom salt provides exfoliation of the dead skin on the feet. The foot soak may help decrease roughness and leave the feet softer. After soaking the feet is a great time to use an exfoliating tool to remove dead skin.

Any type of foot soak might help reduce odor and clean the feet. Keeping the feet clean and free from bacteria is beneficial for overall foot health.

How do you know if a detox bath is working?

• Drink water during the first 20 minutes of your soak.
• You will notice yourself start sweating after just a few minutes in your detox bath. This is your body expelling toxins.
• If you start to feel too hot during your soak, add cool water to the tub until you are comfortable.

Meditation is a great way to calm your body during a detox bath. Breathing through the nose, loosen your neck, face, hands, and stomach area. Relax and soften each part of your body. Consciously releasing body tension will help you relax in your detox bath.

• Once you close the bathroom door, leave all unwanted thoughts outside. Let go of worries and stress.
• Visualize the toxins exiting your body and the vitamins and nutrients entering in their place.

Does massaging your feet release toxins?

Detoxification. Your feet play a crucial role in the body’s natural detoxification process. Through sweat, the feet help to eliminate toxins and excess fluids. A foot massage can stimulate this process, encouraging the release of harmful substances and reducing the risk of various health issues related to toxin buildup.

Improved Digestion. A surprising benefit of foot massages is their potential to enhance digestion. The reflex points on your feet are associated with various digestive organs, and by massaging these points, you can promote better digestion and alleviate issues like indigestion, bloating, and constipation. If you struggle with digestive problems, incorporating foot massages into your routine can offer significant relief.

Headache and Migraine Relief. Tension headaches and migraines can be debilitating, but a foot massage may offer some much-needed relief. By targeting specific pressure points related to the head and neck, a foot massage can reduce the severity and frequency of headaches and migraines. Regular foot massages may help you manage these conditions more effectively, reducing the need for pain medication.

How do you know if your body is full of toxins?

Some signs that your body has a toxin buildup include:

• Brain fog
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Brittle toenails
• Bad breath
• Nausea
• Weight gain

While these are generally short-term effects of toxin buildup, long-term effects can lead to harmful, even life-threatening, consequences.

How toxins damage your body. Many chemicals are toxic because when they come into contact with the human body, they cause harm. One of the main ways they damage your body is by poisoning your enzymes, preventing your body from functioning properly.

How does the body flush out toxins?

Carbon dioxide is a waste product or toxin, and we get rid of it by breathing it out. Other organs that help remove toxins include the liver, skin, kidneys, intestines, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. In addition to breathing out, we remove toxic products through urine, feces, and sweating.

Do foot baths really remove toxins?

After testing each sample, they concluded that the foot detox bath does not reduce toxin levels in the body. Toxins did not leave the body through the feet. The system did not stimulate detoxification through the liver, kidneys, or hair either.

The authors of this study also dismiss earlier research by the Center for Research Strategies, which has links to the IonCleanse manufacturer. They state that this prior research may be unreliable due to poor-quality reporting, imprecise scientific methods, and the potential for conflict of interest.

The Center for Research Strategies reported that ionic footbath sessions reduced the levels of aluminum and arsenic in the participants’ blood. However, they found no change in the levels of mercury, cadmium, or lead.

What to do after a detox foot bath?

3. Rest and Rejuvenate. Your body has gone through a cleansing process, so it’s important to give it time to rest and recover. If possible, try to get 7-9 hours of sleep. Quality sleep allows your body to repair itself, boosts your immune system, and helps maintain the benefits of the detox.

Tip: Create a relaxing bedtime routine by reducing screen time before bed and incorporating calming activities like reading or meditation.

4. Engage in Gentle Exercise. Light exercise helps keep your blood circulation going, which in turn aids in the continued elimination of toxins. Consider activities like yoga, stretching, or a brisk walk. These exercises not only help in the detox process but also promote relaxation and mental clarity.