What Is The Miracle Detox Foot Patch?

Numerous infomercials, articles and websites are dedicated to convincing consumers that so-called detox products are the key to vitality and longevity. Detox foot patches by Miracle International Trading Co., for example, are supposed to draw impurities from the soles of the feet. Though the manufacturer promises that the patches offer astounding results, the patches may merely draw money from your pocketbook.

Method

Miracle International claims that its patches contain "natural" cleansing ingredients such as bamboo acid liquor, morus mushroom and the chemical tourmaline. When you place a patch on your foot, its ingredients supposedly react with your body and draw toxins from your feet during sleep. For "optimum" results, start by using two patches on each foot, suggests Miracle International.

Effects

Miracle International claims that its detox patches can offer an array of health benefits, such as increased metabolism, improved circulation and energy, and reduced sleep problems and pains. The darkened, gooey appearance of peeled off detox patches is supposed to reflect all the "toxic material" that the patches drew out of the body.

Warning

No scientific evidence proves that the color change in detox patches comes from the body's impurities. In fact, spraying detox patches with water causes the same dark color, as it reacts with the wood vinegar -- what Miracle International calls "bamboo acid liquor" -- in the patch. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises consumers to stay away from non-prescription products that claim to help detoxify the body. The only FDA-approved detoxifying agents are prescription-only and intended for serious health risks such as lead poisoning.

Ban

Although no direct ban has been placed on all brands of detox foot patches, marketers of some patches have been charged with lying about their products' functions and benefits. For example, the Federal Trade Commission in 2009 charged marketers of Kinoki brand detox patches with falsely advertising that its products could help treat numerous medical conditions and illnesses. As of 2010, a federal judge banned the marketers of that product from selling or promoting any dietary supplement, medical device, food or drug.

Alternative

Wait for solid evidence to support a so-called "miracle detox" patch before you invest in it, recommends MayoClinic.com. Until then, invest in your own body's cleansing system by eating a well-balanced diet, drinking water every day, exercising regularly and sleeping until well-rested. Be especially prudent in seeing a doctor if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight fluctuations and breathing difficulties; using "detox" products or opting to visit a health spa instead may result in health complications.