Alright, I admit that I am not a morning person and, by default that implies that I am a night person. Late-night television happens to be a vice of mine. In the dark with eyes wide open, unable to sleep, those televised “wonder” cures often seem intriguing and if you aren’t a risk taker over the phone, some “only available on TV” products are often found in specialty stores, department warehouses, and discount outlets. Being naturally curious and someone who loves simplicity, I have often been seduced by these commercials and tempted to try sandpaper that buffs away unwanted leg hair, a blow dryer holder that alleviates “dead arm,” and the do-it-all reusable cleanup cloth

A local store which stocks these items went out of business recently and I caved in. Kinoki Foot Pads are supposed to draw out toxins through the arches of your feet while you sleep, increasing your energy when you wake up. The commercials claim, “Kinoki foot pads, the incredible detox system that naturally captures toxins from your body while you sleep!” Apparently, lots of toxins are stored in your body and by adhering to an extremity or exit point, these handy gauze foot pads are supposed to whisk away your troubles.

Other theories are that the “black junk” that collects as a result of your sweat mixing with the lavender oil and other “natural” homeopathic ingredients like bamboo wood vinegar, tourmaline, chitin, as well as what the box calls “detox herbs.” Experiments tested distilled water, hot water, and lab-created sweat onto the pads and they all turned a dark, murky color.

Don’t spend your time, money, or effort on detox cures that are supposed to save you effort by spiking your energy in time to sip your morning coffee. Kinoki foot pads are not, by most accounts, worth the ten-minute infomercial allowed on late-night television. What is the best way to wake up energized and without toxins? It’s easy, continue to take your vitamins, drink plenty of replenishing water, and get lots of restful sleep.