While you repeat the mantra, "my body is my temple," you might want to think about cleansing your system with a detoxification program of fluids and wholesome foods.

When most people think of spring cleaning, they picture scrubbing the floors and organizing the garage. And there is something to the idea of starting the new season without excess baggage. Clearing out the clutter from your home and turning cramped quarters into clean, well-lit spaces can be cathartic.

But a solid spring renewal program should also include the body and the mind. Just like a house, the body can become cluttered, but this junk is unwanted molecules. Over the course of the winter, waste products can build up in the liver and intestines. Some of this waste derives from the breakdown of food and alcohol consumed during the holidays, other waste products may come from metabolizing common medications. Such waste material, some doctors believe, can cause fatigue and leave the body less able to fight off infection.

Waste products can be cleared from the system through detoxification. European spas have long offered medically supervised detox programs. And though few researchers have rigorously studied detoxification as a means of cleansing the body of harmful chemicals, many Americans have embraced the concept.

Detoxification is not for everyone; doctors discourage pregnant women and people with serious medical conditions from embarking on such a program. But if you are able and ready, you could begin a week long detox regime with two straight days of liquids, the purer the better. Spring or filtered water and herbal teas are recommended, as are freshly squeezed fruit juices. Imbibing water and other fluids in large amounts (eight glasses a day is a minimum) will help flush out the body.

After a few days of fluids, return to solids, but stick to a vegetarian diet. Some experts advise limiting your intake to wholesome, unprocessed foods such as brown rice, fresh fruits and organically grown vegetables. Green vegetables are extremely important to a thorough cleansing because they contain chemicals produced during photosynthesis that are especially adept at sopping up toxins. There are even herbal supplements devised to assist the detoxification process.

One of the most important steps in a detoxification regime is getting a good night's sleep. But insomnia may be an obstacle; more than 100 million Americans suffer from sleeping difficulties. As an alternative to sleeping aids, some experts recommend a soak in a hot tub. Studies indicate that a warm-water massage can relieve muscle and joint pain. And it helps stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's own "stress busting" hormone.

Some people suggest detoxifying the spirit as well as the body. Taking a vacation from television and the newspaper is a good way to start. Meditating may help reduce levels of stress, while saunas can provide relaxation as well as help sweat out unwanted toxins. Ultimately, whatever path you choose, the goal is the same: a cleaner body and a healthier psyche.