Detox Foot Baths Turn Water Brown, But the Real Reason is Not Body Toxins

Lately, foot baths that turn the water brown as toxins supposedly drain out just by soaking your feet have been gaining popularity. Is there a specific reason why the color changes?

Yes. Recently, some foot bath shops in Seoul have been promoting "detox foot baths," claiming that soaking your feet in water draws out waste products from the body.

With a 30-minute to one-hour session costing between 10,000 and 20,000 won, word of mouth about affordable health management has also been attracting foreign tourists.

However, experts explain that the reason the water turns brown after a foot bath is not because toxins are being released from the body, but rather a phenomenon caused by the oxidation of metals inside the foot bath device during the electrolysis process.

They stated that because skin acts as a barrier preventing the penetration and excretion of external substances, claims that internal body toxins are expelled through foot baths lack scientific basis.

They also added that it is appropriate to expect mild benefits from foot baths, such as warming the body and helping with blood circulation.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.