There is no scientific evidence to support claims that detoxifying the feet works or has health benefits.
Manufacturers of foot detox pads and foot baths make claims that “toxins” in the body can be removed through the feet through these products, treating and reducing the risk of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, skin conditions, hair fall, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and cellulite deposition. None of these claims, however, are backed by evidence.
Such exaggerated claims in the absence of scientific studies made the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charge some detox foot pad distributors who falsely claimed to have scientific proof that the footpads removed toxic materials from the body.
Why do toxins change the color of detox foot pads?
One of the things that lures consumers into thinking that the product is actually working is that the foot detox pad or bath changes colors after use, which some manufacturers claim is due to toxins leaving the body.
However, detox pads change color due to the wood vinegar in them, which reacts when exposed to moisture and warmth. It will change color even when exposed to steam or tap water. The color of the pad changes to brown or black on its exposure to warmth and sweat from the feet. When labs analyzed discolored foot detox pads and baths, however, no toxins or heavy metals could be found in them.
What are the side effects of a foot detox?
Although foot detox pads do not have any medical benefits, they generally do not cause any harm to health either.
Some people may develop skin allergies to the adhesives or to ingredients such as vinegar used in the detox pads and baths. Skin allergies can further invite infections. Hence, it’s best to avoid using a foot detox if you have sensitive skin.
If you want to try a foot detox to relieve aching or tired feet, it is better to use readily available, safe, and inexpensive remedies, such as soaking your feet in a solution of Epsom salt and warm water.
Does your body need detoxing?
Your body does not need any external detox remedies. It has built-in detoxification systems consisting of your liver and kidneys.
Every day, your body is exposed to various pollutants and other substances such as medications. Your body produces metabolites in response, whose levels are regulated through various mechanisms. Thus, the body ensures that it maintains a balanced state (homeostasis) without any need for “detoxification” remedies.
If you want to maintain your health, focus on eating a nutritious diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and getting quality sleep. If you feel that you are noticing symptoms of illness, seek the help of a medical professional.
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Do Detox Teas Really Work?
The body has a natural detoxification system that eliminates toxins and harmful compounds. Hence, detoxing tea is ineffective and unnecessary for weight loss and detoxification. There hasn’t been any evidence regarding detox teas that these would flush toxins out of the body.
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methadone hydrochloride
Methadone hydrochloride is a synthetic opioid analgesic medication used for opioid detoxification and management of severe pain that does not respond to alternate treatment and requires long-term opioid treatment. Methadone is also used to treat chronic and severe cancer pain or pain from nerve damage (neuropathy). The most common side effects of methadone hydrochloride include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and injection site reactions. Methadone hydrochloride has a high potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse and can lead to overdose.naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication used to treat opioid use and alcohol use disorders in adults, as part of a comprehensive management program. Naltrexone may cause depression and suicidal thoughts. Common side effects of naltrexone include injection site reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, changes in appetite, loss of appetite (anorexia), headache, dizziness, fainting (syncope), insomnia, drowsiness (somnolence), and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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You might know that more than a drink or two a day is bad for your health. But in some cases, any alcohol at all may not be a great idea.What Is the Best Tea for Detoxing?
Green tea seems to be the best tea for detoxing due to its antioxidant properties. Green tea is manufactured by withering, steaming, or pan firing, drying and grading the young tea leaves. Unlike black tea or oolong tea, green tea does not undergo fermentation.