Precautions for Ionic Foot Baths

Ionic foot baths are electrical devices that advocates say rid your body of toxins by extracting them through the pores of your feet. Ionic foot baths use a combination of electrolysis and ionized water. Like with other electrical devices, you should be aware of some precautions when using these foot baths.

Precautions

• If you have a pacemaker or other electrically powered medical implant in your body, do not use an ionic foot bath, as the electricity may interfere with the device. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use a ionic foot bath. The detoxification process may stir up toxins in the body that can cross the placenta or appear in breast milk.

  Also, if you are a organ transplant recipient, you should not use an ionic foot bath, as not enough research has been done to show that they are safe for people with this condition.

  If you are taking any medications, check with your doctor before using a ionic foot bath to see if the device will interfere with the medicine's effectiveness. These foot baths may interfere with medications for epilepsy, heartbeat regulation and psychotic episodes.

Other Issues

• Before using your ionic foot bath, drink plenty of water to hydrate your body. When using the bath, do not wear any anything containing metal---including a watch or jewelry. Also, do not use a computer or talk on a cell phone while using the foot bath. Ionic foot baths produce a mild electrical current that generates an electromagnetic field around your body. Using another electrical device while soaking your feet may disrupt the bath's detoxification process and lead to an unpleasant electrical reaction, like a shocking sensation.

  If you suffer from low blood sugar or have diabetes, eat before using a ionic foot bath, as it may affect your blood glucose levels. You also should talk with your doctor to make sure it is safe to use an ionic foot bath. If you have a metal joint implant, you may find the foot bath to be uncomfortable. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop using the device.

After Using a Ionic Foot Bath

• After you are finish an ionic foot bath, drink plenty of water to rehydrate yourself. Ionic foot baths can pull electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium from the body. Take a multivitamin that contains these minerals or drink a sports drink that contains electrolytes. You can also receive some of these electrolytes through your diet by eating after each ionic foot bath session.