By Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM
By now you’ve probably seen those advertisements in the newspaper or on TV about foot pads that are supposed to help rid our bodies of dangerous toxins. Do they really work? How would they draw out toxins? Is it worth checking them out?
Never fear, your trusty podiatrist has purchased and investigated them for you! First, a disclaimer — I bought a few different kinds of pads (no names to protect the innocent!) but I have to say I was and still am very skeptical about their usage as a “detoxifier.”
However, many of the brands did appear to have a chemical reaction with the sweat glands on my feet and I will say that they left my feet smooth after use. Did I feel better the following morning? Maybe, but it also could have been the eight hours of un-interrupted sleep I got that night! (With a toddler at home, this was a critical step!)
Comprised of natural ingredients like aloe and tea tree oil, I firmly believe that these pads have a softening and moisturizing ability. However, there are absolutely NO studies out there to support the claims of “removing” toxins from our bodies. In general, if something seems outrageous or “too good to be true,” it probably is. It is better to practice clean living (lots of fruits and veggies, increase water consumption, get a good night’s sleep) to rid our bodies of toxins.
If your feet seem dry or cracked, a good moisturizing cream, like aloe grande cream available at many podiatrist offices, can help tremendously. For now, leave detoxing your body to more traditional methods — like eating less sugar and junk food. Here is to a healthy summer and beyond!
For more information, or to schedule a foot checkup, please call Dr. Lockwood at 309-661-9975 or visit their NEW website at www.HeartlandFootAndAnkle.com!