About Detox Patches

The word "detox" once referred mainly to a medical procedure that cleared the body of harmful amounts of poisons and drugs, according to a 2008 edition of Harvard's "HEALTHbeat." However, trendy detox methods ranging from diets to colon cleanses promise to clear the body of all traces of toxic substances to promote optimal vitality. Detox patches claim to help draw toxins from the feet, but they may do nothing but draw money from your wallet.

Alleged Benefits

Makers of detox foot patches claim that their products can help draw out toxins, chemicals, heavy metals and metabolic wastes from the body, according to the FTC. In turn, the detox allegedly can benefit the body by aiding in weight loss and treating maladies, such as depression, high blood pressure, parasites, insomnia, arthritis, cellulite, fatigue and headaches.

Alleged Methods

Generally, users of detox patches are instructed to wear a patch on the bottom of one foot during sleep for 30 cleansing days and then "maintain" the effects by wearing one every few weeks, according to MayoClinic.com. Most patches contain a combination of natural ingredients, such as wood vinegar, plants, herbs and a mineral called tourmaline. This combination of ingredients supposedly reacts with the body to draw toxins from the foot. The patch appears discolored the morning after a user wears it, supposedly to reflect the toxic material that the patch drew from the body, according to MayoClinic.com.

No Proof They Work

No published scientific studies prove that detox patches are safe or effective, according to MayoClinic.com. Supporters of the patches may claim that the product's color change is proof of detoxification, but the patches have been shown to change colors whether they absorb water or perspiration; this is likely a chemical reaction with the wood vinegar ingredient, according to Harvard HEALTHbeat.

False Advertising

In 2009, the FTC charged the marketers of Kinoki Foot Pads -- a popular detox patch -- with deceptive advertising, alleging that all the advertising claims were false or unsupported by any evidence. As of 2010, a federal judge followed through with the FTC's charges by banning marketers of the patches from promoting or selling the patches or any supplements, drugs, foods or medical devices.

Tip

If a product sounds too good to be true, wait until science backs its claim before you invest any time and money, recommends MayoClinic.com. Even then, your main concern should be on keeping your body's self-cleaning system intact by eating well, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, getting sleep and going to any recommended medical check-ups, recommends Harvard Women's Health Watch.