“Cleansing your body naturally will not only improve your physical health, but your mental health as well.“

-Rose Caiola

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The word detox has been associated with juice detox diets, fasting and liver cleansing supplements. To make it clear, I am by no means telling you to fast or take a pill. By detox, I mean cleanse.  “Detox” simply means getting rid of toxins in the body, and this can be done on a daily basis. By detoxifying with easy, natural techniques, you will notice you have increased energy, a stronger immune system, reduced hormonal imbalances, less allergy symptoms, clearer skin, improved sleep, a better mood and improved digestion.

Follow these tips to help support your body’s natural detoxifying processes:

1. Hydrate

Drink water in between meals, and always carry a refillable bottle with you. You should be drinking half your body weight in ounces. So if your weight is 110 pounds, you should be drinking around 55 ounces of water a day. Remember that fruits and vegetables contain water and also serve to hydrate and cleanse our body.

2. Drink lemon water

To extend water’s benefit, add lemon to it. Lemons are alkaline in your body and help purify the liver.

3. Add coconut oil

Start consuming coconut oil. It speeds the metabolism and promotes gut balance. Use about a tablespoon a day, by adding it to your smoothies, as cooking oil, and even putting it in coffee – yup, it’s a thing!

4. Sweat!

Exercising for at least 20-30 minutes a day – at least three days a week – helps rid your body of unwanted toxins in the blood. Sweat is one of the best detoxifying strategies! Another way to sweat away toxins is enjoying time in a sauna.

5. Sleep

Sleep cannot be emphasized enough! Use an eye mask or blackout curtains to help you get a good night’s rest. If you’re feeling restless, try to drink a cup of chamomile tea before bed or warm a cup of almond milk with cinnamon. Turn off the television and electronics an hour or so before bedtime, and read a relaxing book.

6. Eat whole foods and foods high in antioxidants

Whole foods, such as vegetables and fruit, are cleansing for the liver and gastrointestinal system. They require little effort to break down and accelerate your body’s natural ability to detox. Foods high in antioxidants – such as blueberries and green tea – are anti-inflammatory, and their high levels of antioxidants help rid the body of toxins.

7. Get rid of stress

Choose calming activities that will help you decompress and decrease the effects of stress in the body. Stress disrupts our bodies’ ability to detoxify. As you choose activities such as meditation, writing, yoga, massage, exercise – or anything that helps wind you down – you are naturally helping the body get rid of toxins.

8. If you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it

Read the labels on whatever you buy. If the product has ingredients you can’t pronounce or haven’t heard of, you might be better off not buying it. Try to stick to whole foods. Choose food that makes you feel good after it is consumed. For example, if dairy makes you sluggish and bloated, eliminate it from your diet for a few days, and see how you feel without it before re-introducing it into your diet; the same thing applies with red meat, wheat, etc.

Once you adopt these detox strategies, with time you will notice how much better you feel. Your body and mind will thank you.

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This article originally appeared on East to Wellness and is republished here with permission.