Detox foot pads: Do they really work?

Updated: 2022-05-24

Answer Section

There's no reliable evidence that detox foot pads work.

Manufacturers of detox foot pads say that their products draw toxins out of your body while you sleep. Some manufacturers have claimed that detox foot pads also treat high blood pressure, headaches, cellulite, depression, diabetes, insomnia and aid in weight loss.

Detox foot pad are stuck on the bottom of your feet and left there overnight, purportedly to draw out toxins, such as heavy metals. When you peel off the detox foot pad in the morning, its darkened or discolored appearance supposedly reflects the toxins that have been removed from your body.

However, no scientific studies have been published that show that detox foot pads work or that they're safe. The Federal Trade Commission has even charged some distributors of detox foot pads with deceptive advertising.

The bottom line: As with anything that sounds too good to be true, your best bet is to wait for scientific evidence that proves a claim before investing your time and money.