This is where the controversy begins!
There are as many opinions on this as there are manufacturers and users. Some items we do know as the science is discussed below. The epidermis of the foot excretes many organic materials. This occurs whether in a foot bath or not. When the foot’s epidermis is in contact with a soluble liquid such as water these excreted materials become soluble themselves and float off into the water. Also, the skin can contain attachments of soaps, creams, and other products introduced to the epidermis by the person. Also any naturally released germs, bacteria, fungus’s, etc., also become soluble. This is akin to bathing, but with a foot bath, these items are altered and then made to become opaque, clump together, and show differing colors. They basically become non-soluble and either float to the top or sink to the bottom of the bath.
What and why Cleansing and Detox
Our Toxic Environment
Understanding Environmental Illness and the toxic surroundings we live in is extremely important because without proper detoxification it can be very difficult or impossible to achieve the desired health results we are seeking.
Government Involvement
The human body is constantly being exposed to harmful substances. According to Dr. Mark Hyman in an article published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, (March 2007), 80,000 new chemicals have been introduced into our environment since the start of the 20th century. Understanding the governments’ role and what it does to protect you is important. One problem is that only a few hundred of these substances have been thoroughly tested and even those have been recommended for further testing to determine long term effects. The Department of Public Health and Safety has a web site “Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry” www.atsdr.cdc.gov. There were under 300 substances evaluated as of March 2007. Included in the potentially hazardous substances is what is known as “heavy metals”. These are toxic metals that we are exposed to on a surprisingly regular basis. They include aluminum, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and antimony. On the site, a public health statement on aluminum drafted in September 2006 states that “you always have some exposure to low levels of aluminum from eating food, drinking water, and breathing air.” Some items that contain aluminum are food additives including baking powder and table salt, medicines including some buffered aspirin and antacids, vaccines, cosmetics including deodorant and even some infant formulas. Another common way metals enter the food chain is cooking with aluminum cookware. They went on to say that the average adult in the United States consumes 7-9mg of aluminum in their diet every day. One more part of the statement gave the EPA’s criteria for determining the acceptable levels of aluminum in public drinking water. The criteria were based on color, taste, and smell. The criteria specifically had nothing to do with possible health effects.
Synergism and Cumulative Damages to the Body
The statement on aluminum informs you these levels are normal and acceptable even though they warn that people with weak kidneys or kidney disease may store excessive amounts of aluminum and that aluminum may be linked to bone and brain disease including Alzheimer’s. The most important factors are being overlooked. It is common for pharmaceuticals to have synergistic effects, those unpredictable multiplying effects that can happen when you combine 2 or more normally “safe” medications. The possibilities should be of equal concern regarding the 80,000 chemicals in our environment. More apparent is the potential for cumulative damages. The assumption or suggestion that our detoxification systems can process a seemingly endless amount of toxins is simply irresponsible and the evidence to the contrary is finally beginning to get the attention it deserves.
Body Detoxification takes place Naturally
Our bodies have the natural ability to detoxify themselves. They are constantly working to rid themselves of toxins. The lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal systems and the skin all work together to keep the body free from harmful substances. It is when they become overloaded the problems begin. When the body can not rid itself of these toxins fast enough it stores them. It stores those most often in fat as well as in bone and organs. This is the cumulative effect. It may take a relatively short amount of time to several years for people to notice the effects. The symptoms often manifest themselves in what appears to be unrelated and is most often treated that way. Treatment of the symptom with a new chemical may relieve the complaint but it just adds to the body’s toxic overload while confusing its’ delicate natural defense system.
Toxins and Metabolism
To further demonstrate how our systems are all related Mark Hyman discusses how toxins influence metabolism and weight loss. He states: “The influence of toxins on metabolism occurs through five key mechanisms: hormonal regulation, neuro-regulatory mechanisms, immuno-regulatory mechanisms, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress.” He also states that “these systems are not discrete entities but systems in the true sense of the word – interlocking, interactive, dynamic, overlapping networks of biochemical and physiological informational spheres of functional relationships.”
Lifestyle
To further complicate our excessive exposure to harmful substances, the detox system is weakened by lifestyle choices. Clinical studies on stress show the detrimental physiological effects on the body. Stress is not simply mental exhaustion but it actually has a profound physical effect. This further burdens the detoxification system. Reducing stress and increasing stress relieving activities will help with detoxification.
What Can Be Done
Once a person begins to see the extent of the problem we are facing, it is quite easy to become overwhelmed. It may be best to start slowly to clean up their personal environment along with getting clinical help for a complete body detoxification. A clinical evaluation will help determine the best path to recovery. Detoxification can be dangerous if you are suffering from heavy exposure and have a compromised detoxification system. There are also a wide range of cleanses available and some are better than others and some have better marketing than others. A truly deep, comprehensive and long term full body detoxification will require more than a 7, 14, or 21 day store bought detox program.
The ionic body balancing that occurs from a foot detox helps the body remove these toxins and remove them at a safe and comfortable rate. Persons suffering from acute toxicity my need more gentle and time elapsed therapy than someone who is relatively healthy. Either way, an ionic foot detox is the most single effective detoxification device available today. It is recommended that along with regular detox sessions a person also supplement their diet with good quality trace minerals and a steady intake of water to help excrete the toxins.
To assist with detoxification and staying healthy, these areas should also be addressed:
Examine your intake of dietary toxins. Particular items will include: sugar, refined flour, processed foods, caffeine and alcohol.
Look for ways to improve your intake of nutritional whole foods.
Consider identifying and eliminating foods that you may be sensitive to.
Explore ways to improve digestion such as eating habits, menus and digestive supplements.
Examine common household exposure to potentially hazardous substances.
Address possible chronic infections including intestinal dysbiosis from yeast (Candida), parasites, and bacteria as well as viruses and Lyme disease.
Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress.
Consider complementary alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage and yoga.
Get a water purification system and drink more water. The 8-8oz glass a day suggestion is a good place to start. Reverse Osmosis is most often considered the best treatment system.
Add a good quality trace mineral supplement to your diet.
Get clinical guidance for an effective and safe detoxification program.
Summary
Modern medicine has made great technological advances since the 20th century. Technology has also produced an exponential amount of new problems. Instead of trying to put a band aid on a warning sign, holistic medicine and cleansing address the root cause. Modern medicine certainly has its place in the emergency room but much more attention needs to be given to cleaning up the long term cumulative damage and preventing it from continuing. Without proper detoxification and the maintenance of a clean environment, we are committing ourselves to perpetuating the cycle of creating new disease and illness and their “cures”.
foot detox bath color chart Benefits
In a 2009 survey, 126 users of ionic detox systems were asked what specific health benefits they or their clients received from using ionic detox foot bath systems.Their answers included: pain relief (42), including less joint stiffness, less headaches, less knee pain, less foot pain, less general muscle pain and more, increased energy (29), improved sleep (23), improved digestion (10), toxin reduction (9), decreased swelling (9), circulatory system improvement (9), reduced weight (8), skin improvements (8), emotional improvements (5), respiratory improvements and much more.
Ionic detox has been known to:
Remove toxins, free radicals and body waste products that can cause health problems (In an Aug. ’04 study by Carlos A. Lopez-Moreno, MD, there was a significant deposit of urea, creatinine and glucose in the foot basin in 12 patients with chronic illnesses.)
In a 2008 study by Center for Research Strategies (crsllc.org), 31 participants underwent ionic detox two times per week for 12 weeks. The amount of aluminum and arsenic in their blood was measured before and after the 12 weeks. The average blood aluminum level decreased by 46% from 79.8 ppb (parts per billion) to 43.1 ppb. The average blood arsenic level decreased 24% from 4.6 ppb to 3.5 ppb.
In a 2002 study by Doctor’s Data in St. Charles, IL, there was an average increase in toxic metals found in the foot basin from nine independent sessions. Here is a list of metals that increased in concentration: Copper: 905%, Aluminum 339%, Lead 233%, Iron 174%, Manganese 140%, Antimony 128%, Cadmium 119%
Raise pH levels. Approximately 95% of people experience a state of acidity in which their blood pH is lower than 7.45, indicating an excess of hydrogen ions. This makes an ideal breeding ground for worms, parasites, microorganisms and other critters that lower body function and cause disease.
Inactivate viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus
Relieve pain and tension including headaches
Purify the blood and lymph
Increase peripheral circulation
Stimulate and balance the immune system
Enhance nutrient absorption
Reduce inflammation and unwanted fluid retention
Help clear up skin
Assist in weight loss
Slow down aging and improve body flexibility
Quicken recovery time from disease or injury
Increase oxygen in the body
Rejuvenate and energize your whole body
Improve sleep
What to Expect from an Ion Foot Bath
Healthy individuals can expect to feel lighter and experience a greater feeling of well being from each session. Some people with pain, edema, swollen, and deteriorating joints have reported symptomatic relief from these sessions.
Today’s Toxic World
Never before in the history of our planet has there ever been such an overwhelming volume of toxic materials dumped upon us through our air supply, water supply, food supply, food chain and into our bodies. Ongoing periodic detoxification is essential to maintain health and avoid disease.
What you will see
Many different colors and objects will appear in the water during the Ion-Cleanse session. These colors and objects may be a good indication of what your body is getting rid of.
