Do foot detox pads really work?

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column every day in our newspaper. I enjoy the column very much and have learned a lot from your advice. I have a question about foot detox. Does it really remove toxins from your body? I’ve been doing it for about two years and would like to know if it is a waste of time.

DEAR READER: I will touch on the detoxification process before offering my opinion.

The manufacturers of detox foot pads say toxins will be drawn from the body while a person sleeps. The instructions indicate a person should stick what looks like a large gauze pad to the bottom of both feet for 30 days in row. The pads are removed in the morning or at the end of a sleep period and are replaced daily. “Evidence” of their success is through the discoloration present on the pads. After the initial process, follow-up maintenance is recommended every few weeks.
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