About Liver Detoxifying Foot Gels

In today's herbal supplement and homeopathic market, one can find a variety of detoxifying foot gel products. Many of them come on foot pads the user wears overnight. These products claim to detoxify the body, including the liver. Do they work? And, if so, how?

The Theory

• Detoxifying foot gels and pads usually claim they draw out toxins lodged in the body. The theory holds that the toxins are often pooled in the feet. After being applied, the gel warms, causing pores to open, which allow the gel and/or pads to absorb lymphatic fluid carrying toxins.

  But, even more important, the high number of meridians and acupuncture points in the feet--as ascribed by Chinese Medicine--stimulate the release of toxins from the various parts of the body to which they are linked. These include the liver and other bodily organs.

  Thus, with repeated use, the user should expect to see toxins eventually lessen.

How It Helps

• The theory holds that with fewer toxins, including the possible elimination of toxic heavy metals, that the immune system is left healthier. A healthy immune system can, of course, fix so many health problems--some of which include susceptibility to communicable illnesses, skin problems, weight, blood circulation issues, swellings and general energy and clarity.

The Key Ingredient

• Organic Pyroligneous Acid, also referred to by product manufacturers as "tree cell essence," "tree sap" and "bamboo sap," is the key ingredient to many gels. Another, more common text book term is wood vinegar. Several foot gel makers claim this chemical sterilizes and absorbs toxins. Wood vinegar is an antiseptic substance.

Dark Residue

• Most foot gels are sold integrated into foot pads the user places on his feet overnight while sleeping. Manufacturers say that, in the morning, users of the pads should find the pads dark in color--black to brown. This is supposedly the residue of removed toxins.

  According to manufacturers' theory, repeated use of the pads will see the color of the pad become slightly lighter with each use, indicating fewer toxins remaining in the body and therefore more purity.

Is It Real?

• Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, Dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic says no. Dr. Gibson points out that no scientific studies have proven the theory behind foot gels and pads and their detoxifying system. Gibson also points out that many manufacturers cannot identify which toxins are being drawn out by their products.