Toxins are all around you. You consume them in the food you eat, fluids you drink, and the air you breathe daily. Of course, you know that toxins are harmful. But what are they, and why are they so bad?

Toxins Explained

Toxins are any harmful substance produced by a living organism, for example, snake venom or a bee sting. We refer to toxins made by humans as toxicants. When your favorite skincare brand holds a live event on Instagram about flushing out “toxins” with a new mask, toxicants are usually what they’re describing.

Why Detoxify?

Detoxification is beneficial in many ways. Top benefits of ridding your body of toxins include:

• Weight loss and management
• More energy
• Increased internal organ function
• Stronger immune system
• Clearer skin
• Improved thinking
• Healthier hair

Cleansing Your Body

If you’re not sure where to start in getting rid of toxins, don’t worry. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming. An excellent place to start is staying well hydrated. Health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses or about 2 liters. This is called the 8×8 rule and super easy to remember.

Looking to really detox? Here are six tips that cover how to get rid of toxins in your body.

1. Exercise

(Stop putting off the IG workout class!)

Working out is a great way to rid the body of toxins, according to The Telegraph. As you exercise, you create a condition for the body to optimize circulation and release toxins through sweat. It’s a win-win.

2. Sleep

(Put the phone down at night)

According to Healthline: Sleeping allows your brain to reorganize and recharge and remove toxic waste byproducts that have accumulated throughout the day. So, be sure to get your 8 hours!

3.  Pack in the beans

 (and lentils!)

Your body needs vitamin zinc to maintain a normal metabolic process in all of your internal organs. Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., a senior dietician at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, recommends beans and lentils as a great source of zinc.

4. Eat foods high in probiotics

(If you needed a reason to drink more kombucha)

Gut health is just as important as mental health but often gets overlooked. Intestinal cells have a detoxification and excretion system that protects your gut and body from harmful toxins.

5. Incorporate IV therapy

(especially if you have trouble keeping yourself well hydrated)

IVs help replenish essential vitamins and antioxidants to nourish the body, while also targeting the major detoxification pathways such as the liver.

6. Eat more fiber

(Say with me: fiber is my friend)

Ann Louise Gittleman, the author of The Fast Track One-Day Detox Diet, says, “The colon is the garbage dump in your system, but fiber acts as a garbage truck hauling away the toxic waste.” Increase those fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

 If you’re like me and hit the snacks PRETTY hard during this quarantine, you’re probably due for a detox. Detoxification and detox are incredibly popular buzzwords, but try not to get lost in the cleanse craze. Your body does a pretty good job of getting rid of toxins by itself, but we all need a little extra maintenance. You’ve had time to clean your room, social circle, and texts. Have you taken the time to put that same attention into your body?

This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.