Our bodies are exposed to innumerable toxic substances each day. While the body is equipped to detoxify itself via the liver and other cleansing organs, many feel that an alternative detoxification method is necessary to fully purify the bodies. Detox foot pads may provide evidence of toxins residing in your system as a used pad will change from a pristine white to a variety of ominous, dark hues.
Foot Pads
Dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., states on MayoClinic.com that, as of 2010, there are no scientific studies to prove detox foot pads fulfill their intended purpose, which is simply to pull toxic substances from your body through the pores of your feet. Dr. Lawrence adds that manufacturers of detox foot pads present the dark discoloration after use as the result of toxins chemically reacting to the drawing agents in the pad.
Colors
Supposedly, different toxins create a different color when reacting to the substances in the foot pad. Therefore, the colors you find can differ from the colors of another person’s pad. Each color allegedly represents a specific type of toxin or region of the body that was detoxified, according to the Detox Safely website. According to the color chart on this site, there are up to nine different colors that may appear on your used foot pad.
Black and Brown
Black represents toxins pulled from the liver region of the body. The liver’s primary functions are to cleanse the blood, process waste and distribute nutrients to your cells, states the KidsHealth website. Black flecks on your foot pad may indicate the existence of heavy metals. Arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium are all types of toxic heavy metals that you can acquire from everyday substances like pesticides, batteries, paints and pipes, according to the DermNet NZ website. A brown coloring may represent further detoxification of the liver, cellular debris and tobacco.
Dark Green and Orange
A dark greenish color on your foot pad may denote the detoxification of your gall bladder, an important organ that aids in the digestion of fats. Orange is representative of toxins pulled from the joints, potentially associated with such diseases as arthritis and rheumatism, according to the Detox Safely website.
Red and Yellow
Red flecks on your foot pad may indicate the detoxification of blood clot materials, while a yellow-greenish color is associated with toxins pulled from the kidneys, bladder, urinary tract, female reproductive organs and the male prostate gland.
White
You may notice some white cheese-like particles — a possible indication of yeast. According to the MedlinePlus website, yeast is a fungus that resides in your body. Your immune system is responsible for regulating the growth of yeast. An illness or dose of antibiotics, however, can quickly offset this balance creating a “yeast infection.” The appearance of white foam may indicate the detoxification of the lymphatic system, which plays an integral role in our immunity.
References
Writer Bio
Susanne Preble has been sharing her equestrian insight and travel experiences with readers since 2003. She has been teaching, training, and managing professional facilities for more than 20 years. Preble holds an Associate of Arts in accounting and will soon obtain her Bachelor of Science in business administration. She graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2008.