But the wellness space can also be filled with false promises and gimmicky cure-alls if you’re not careful.
One of these rituals that’s grown in popularity is the foot detox.
It almost sounds too good to be true!
We took a deep dive into the science behind a foot detox so you don’t have to.
What is a “foot detox”?
Let’s start by going through what exactly a foot detox is.
These are offered in both spas and through at-home tools.
Some of these even advertise that if the water changes color it means that the detoxification is working.
Does it work?
The short answer is no, foot detoxes do not work.
Any reported changes after a foot bath are purely anecdotal.
“‘Detox’ simply means metabolizing key compounds to remove them from the body.
This process happens automatically and consistently at the cellular level.
And well-roundedlifestyle habits can help support your body, such as moving your body regularly and getting sleep.
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Benefits of a foot bath.
A 2016 study showed that a nightly foot soak helpedpeople sleep betterthroughout the night.
Salt baths for skin.
There are a variety of beneficial foot baths you’re free to incorporate into your self-care routine.
There’s anEpsom salt bath, which will help relax the body while soothing the skin.
It can prepare your feet for anat-home pedicurewith a soft chemical exfoliation for the skin and toenails.
The takeaway.
), doing all the real work.
And that’s OK!
Just don’t expect to detox your body while doing it.