If you're thinking of trying an expensive detox treatment, it pays to do some research first. According to Quackwatch.com, the colour change produced by one detox foot bath, Aqua Detox, was probably caused by rust (oxidised iron), rather than toxins.
Quackwatch points to a report on the Guardian site by journalist Ben Goldacre, who used a car battery to send a current through two metal nails in a bowl of salt water. The water turned brown and developed some sludge on top.
Goldacre then sent a colleague to have a foot detox and collect before and after water samples. Laboratory tests showed that in both cases, the change of water colour was due to a greatly increased iron content - created by rusting of the electrodes. The water would change colour regardless of whether a foot was placed in it.
Quackwatch says that since the Guardian article Aqua Detox and others have changed their marketing. Some now admit the colour change is due to electrode conversion, and no longer emphasise toxin removal. Instead, they talk of 'balancing of energy', which can't be tested scientifically.
'The bottom line is very simple,' Quackwatch says. 'All such devices should be considered medically worthless.' The choice is yours.
Suzanne Harrison