- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Consumer health basics (5)
- Osteopathic medicine: What kind of doctor is a D.O.?
- What is compassionate use of experimental drugs?
- After a flood, are food and medicine safe to use?
- see all in Consumer health basics
Alternative medicine (28)
- Kombucha tea: Does it have health benefits?
- Do infrared saunas have any health benefits?
- Aromatherapy: Is it worthwhile?
- see all in Alternative medicine
Medications (5)
- Antibiotics and alcohol: Should I avoid mixing them?
- Grapefruit juice: Beware of dangerous medication interactions
- Mild depression: Are antidepressants effective?
- see all in Medications
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Detox foot pads: Do they really work?
Do detox foot pads really work?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
No scientific studies have been published showing that detox foot pads do what they claim they'll do.
Manufacturers of detox foot pads say that the products draw toxins out of your body while you sleep. Some manufacturers have claimed that detox foot pads also reduce blood pressure, treat depression and aid weight loss. Typically, you're instructed to stick a detox foot pad on the bottom of one of your feet overnight for 30 days in a row for an initial cleansing period. When you peel off the detox foot pad in the morning, its darkened or discolored appearance supposedly reflects the toxins that have been removed from your body.
Detox foot pads are said to contain natural ingredients — such as a mix of wood vinegar, plants and herbs, and the mineral tourmaline. The ingredients in detox foot pads are said to react with your body and give off infrared energy, improving cell function and drawing out toxins, such as lead and arsenic. Similar products include detox foot baths and spas.
However, no scientific studies have been published that show that detox foot pads work or that they're safe. The Federal Trade Commission has charged some distributors of detox foot pads with deceptive advertising. The bottom line: As with anything that sounds too good to be true, wait for scientific evidence that proves the claim before investing your time and money.
Next questionColon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?
- Detoxification footpads. Natural Standard. http://www.naturalstandard.com. Accessed March 6, 2012.
- FTC charges marketers of Kinoki Foot Pads with deceptive advertising; seeks funds for consumer redress. Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/xacta.shtm. Accessed March 6, 2012.
- At FTC's request, judge imposes ban on marketers of 'detox' foot pads. Federal Trade Commission. http://ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/xacta.shtm. Accessed March 6, 2012.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 6, 2012.
Find Mayo Clinic on