Veggie Blog

A full detox plan for body, mind and spirit

What does “detox” mean in a holistic plan?

Holistic living is the idea that your physical health, your state of mind and your sense of meaning are connected, so looking after only one of them leaves the others behind. A “full detox” for body, mind and spirit takes that idea one step further and asks you to clear out whatever weighs you down in all three areas. Many people like the idea, especially when they are busy paying bills, meeting deadlines and earning a living, and have had little time to ask how they really feel.

First, it helps to be clear about the word. In everyday talk, detox means getting rid of toxins that have built up in the body. Your body already does this around the clock: the liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs and skin all remove waste. Commercial detox products and strict cleansing diets are a different matter. A US government agency that studies complementary health, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, reports that reviews found no compelling research that detox diets remove toxins or help with weight control, and that some programs have been unsafe or falsely advertised.

What can you do for the body?

The sensible part of any body detox is to give your organs less to deal with and the right support to do their job. Cut back on alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks, eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains, drink enough water, move every day and sleep well. Some people notice clearer skin, steadier energy and more regular bowel movements after a few weeks of eating this way. Those results come from the ordinary habits, not from a special product.

If you want to look more closely at the physical side, read our post on body cleansing and detox for body and mind, and what to check before you buy any detox product.

Why does the mind need attention too?

Mind and body affect each other. Stress that goes on for weeks or months is linked to changes in the immune system and can leave you feeling run down, and constant worry makes it harder to sleep, which in turn changes how you eat and how much energy you have. The field that studies these links is called psychoneuroimmunology. It is a genuine area of research, although it is still young and the findings are not always clear-cut.

“Detoxing the mind” is best understood as managing stress and clearing mental clutter. One method is visualization, also called guided imagery. You are taught to picture a calm place, or to imagine healing energy flowing to a part of the body that needs rest. It can help you relax and feel more in control, and a trained therapist or teacher can guide you. It does not replace medical treatment, though, and nobody should rely on it alone to deal with an illness.

Where does the spirit fit in?

Spirituality means different things to different people. For many it is faith and prayer, which is part of almost every religion in the world. For others it is time in nature, quiet reflection or gratitude. There is no single correct way to pray or reflect: you can do it in any place and in any posture, as long as it feels genuine to you. What matters most is finding a practice that you will actually keep up.

Is a full plan a good idea?

It can be, if you treat it as a way of living and not a quick fix. Pick one small change in each area, for example one extra vegetable at every meal, five minutes of quiet breathing, and a weekly walk or time of prayer, and keep it up for a month before adding more. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, talk to your doctor before you change your diet or start fasting. Professional help from a doctor, dietitian, counselor or spiritual guide can make a real difference. Be wary of any program that promises to cure a disease or that pushes expensive products. For simple daily practices for the mind and spirit, see our post on whether a mind and spirit detox is worth trying.