What to expect after an ion cleanse?
Ion cleanses, also known as ionic foot baths or foot detoxes, have become increasingly popular over the past decade as a way to remove toxins from the body. The process involves soaking your feet in salt water while an ionizing array placed in the water sends a low voltage current through the water. This current causes the water molecules to polarity and pulls toxins out of the body through the pores in the feet.
While there are some mixed opinions on whether ion cleanses truly work to remove toxins, many people report feeling refreshed and renewed after a session. If you’ve recently had an ion cleanse, here’s a look at some of the effects you may experience in the hours and days afterwards.
Immediate Effects
During the 30-60 minute ion cleanse session, the water will change color, often to an orange, brown, or black hue. The color change is said to reflect the toxins being pulled from the body. You may also notice:
- A tingling sensation in your feet and legs
- Improved energy levels
- A sense of relaxation
The tingling feeling is from the electrical current stimulating the nerves in your feet. The boosted energy and relaxation can result from taking time out to care for your body in a soothing environment.
Short Term Effects
In the hours after your ion cleanse session, you may continue to feel energized and relaxed. Some other short term effects can include:
- Reduced joint or muscle aches and pains
- A sense of lightness
- Better sleep
- Improved mental clarity
- Healthier skin
- Reduced headaches
The mechanisms behind these effects aren’t fully proven, but the theory is that reducing your body’s toxic load allows it to function more efficiently. Flushing out toxins improves circulation and reduces inflammation, potentially explaining benefits like eased joint pain.
Long Term Effects
While a single ion cleanse provides short term benefits, long term effects take longer to observe. With regular ion cleanse sessions every month or two, possible long term benefits can include:
- Ongoing increase in energy and stamina
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Fewer colds, flus, and infections
- Healthier skin, hair, and nails
- Reduced allergies
- Healthier weight
- Improved kidney and liver function
- Enhanced immune function
These systemic benefits may result from reducing the body’s baseline toxic load over time. With fewer toxins interfering with normal bodily processes, organs can function better and biological processes can happen more smoothly.
Possible Side Effects
Ion cleanses are generally safe, gentle procedures with minimal risks. However, some people may experience some side effects including:
- Fatigue – You may feel more tired than usual after a foot detox while your body processes the toxins that were released.
- Headaches – Toxin release can sometimes cause temporary headaches.
- Nausea – The toxic flush effect of the ion cleanse may upset your stomach.
- Aches and pains – Some people report increased achiness after their session as toxins leave the body.
- Lightheadedness – In rare cases, people feel momentarily dizzy after an ion cleanse.
These symptoms are usually mild and pass within a day or two. Drinking extra water before and after your session can help minimize side effects.
Negative Effects to Watch For
Though uncommon, there are a few negative effects to keep an eye out for after an ion cleanse. Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Severe headache or migraine that won’t go away
- Difficulty breathing
- Racing or irregular heartbeat
- Fever or chills
- Hives, rash, or itching
- Dizziness or confusion
- Diarrhea lasting more than two days
While these effects are rare, they may signal an abnormal response to the toxins released during the foot bath. It’s better to be safe and check with your doctor if any severe or long-lasting symptoms occur.
Maximizing the Benefits
To get the most out of your ion cleanse experience, here are some tips:
- Hydrate well – Drink at least 8 glasses of pure water the day before and after your session to help flush out released toxins.
- Support detox pathways – Take detox supplements like milk thistle or dandelion root to support your liver and kidneys.
- Avoid reexposure – Try to minimize environmental toxins in the 2-3 days after by using natural cleaners and avoiding cigarette smoke.
- Eat clean – Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
- Destress – Give yourself time after to relax and unwind through yoga, meditation, massage, or nature time.
With these self-care steps, you can enhance and prolong the positive effects of your ion foot bath cleanse.
The Takeaway
Ion cleanses offer an innovative way to flush toxins from the body. In the hours and days after a session, most people feel an energizing afterglow and perhaps some mild detox symptoms like fatigue or headaches. With ongoing cleanses over time, long term benefits for health and wellbeing may be achieved. Pay attention to any concerning symptoms and maximize the foot bath’s effects by supporting your body’s natural detoxification process.
| Timeframe | Possible Effects |
|---|---|
| During Session |
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| Short Term (hours later) |
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| Long Term (with regular use) |
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In summary, ion cleanses offer a range of potential benefits both immediately and over time by reducing toxins in the body. Listen to your body’s response and support detoxification for optimal effects.
