From Toxic to Thriving: How I swapped chemicals for a healthier life and home

I grew up in communist Czechoslovakia, where the smell of bleach wasn't just comforting—it meant clean, sterile, safe. Every week, my family scrubbed our home with bleach, sterilising everything in sight. For years, I genuinely loved the strong, hospital-like scent. In fact, the more something smelled like bleach, the healthier I believed it was. The irony was that despite my spotless surroundings, my immune system was shockingly weak. I was always sick—colds, infections, antibiotics were my daily routine. I mistakenly thought antibiotics were magic pills, a cure-all solution.

It wasn’t until I began travelling that things shifted. As I explored different environments, my overly sterilised body finally encountered real bacteria. Initially, I struggled even more, getting sick constantly. But eventually, something amazing happened—my immune system grew stronger, and so did my scepticism about the "chemical safety net" I'd relied on my whole life.

This scepticism didn’t stop at cleaning products; it extended into my eating habits too. Like many women embracing independence, I was sold on the idea of convenience—pre-packaged meals, processed foods, eating out regularly. Cooking at home felt outdated, something my grandmother did. But when chronic health issues pushed me to dig deeper, I was shocked by what I discovered about the ultra-processed foods I had trusted blindly. It wasn’t convenient - it was poison.

Fast forward to today, and my mantra is simple: if it's mainstream, I do the opposite. Here are the most impactful swaps I've made, ones you can easily implement for a healthier, non-toxic lifestyle:

1. Swap out chemicals, in with natural cleaners

Bleach was my family's go-to weapon against germs, but it was silently undermining our health. Harsh chemicals weaken immunity and contribute to chronic illnesses.

Swap: My go-to cleaner is now Kangen Water. The highly alkaline 11.5 pH Kangen Water effectively removes grease, works brilliantly as a general cleaner, and even serves as a fabric conditioner. For sanitising surfaces, replacing bleach, I use acidic 2.5 pH Kangen Water. Alternatively, a simple DIY cleaner made from baking soda, white vinegar, and essential oils is equally versatile and budget-friendly.

2. Ditching plastic for glass & stainless steel

Growing up, plastic was everywhere. It was convenient, cheap, and modern. But hidden chemicals like BPA disrupted my hormones, affecting my mood, energy, and health.

Swap: I now exclusively use glass or stainless steel containers—safe, durable, and toxin-free. It's liberating to know my food and water are clean and chemical-free.

3. Organic isn’t a fad, It’s vital (and empowering!)

Back then, organic food seemed like a silly luxury. But conventional farming loads our food with pesticides, silently sabotaging our bodies. Even in busy London, I started growing my own food—it felt incredibly empowering rather than old-fashioned.

Swap: Prioritise organic produce, especially the Dirty Dozen. Better yet, wash your fruits and vegetables with Kangen Water (pH 11.5), effectively removing oil-based pesticides. Growing your own food reconnects you to nature and your health.

4. Natural beauty over toxic chemicals

A decade ago, someone told me, "If you wouldn't eat it, don't put it on your skin." At the time, I thought this was excessive. Now? It’s my skincare philosophy.

Swap: I use simple, natural products like almond oil, practice face yoga, and emphasise hydration. Kangen "Beauty Water" also serves as an amazing natural toner, leaving my skin hydrated and refreshed without chemicals.

5. Cookware that doesn’t poison you

Non-stick pans were a staple until I realised they release harmful chemicals like PFOA directly into my meals.

Swap: Cast iron, ceramic, and stainless steel cookware are now essential in my kitchen - clean, safe cooking tools that protect my health daily.

6. From synthetic to natural fabrics

Synthetic clothes once symbolised progress and convenience. Today, they're on my swap list, as I've learned how toxic and harmful they can be.

Swap: Cotton, linen, and bamboo fabrics are gradually replacing synthetics in my wardrobe, bedding, and home decor. They’re healthier for my body and kinder to the planet.

7. Fresh air, no chemicals

I used to love air fresheners until discovering their harmful VOCs—damaging both respiratory health and cognitive function.

Swap: Essential oils and DIY natural air fresheners provide a fresh and genuinely clean home atmosphere.

Curious about the 100+ uses of Kangen Water?

For me, Kangen Water has been the biggest game-changer - saving plastic, money, and significantly improving my non-toxic lifestyle. Curious to discover how versatile Kangen Water can be without any selling pressure? Let me know - I’d love to share more.

Final Thoughts

We're living in a time when more and more people are suing - and winning - against large corporations for the health damage caused by chemicals we've long trusted. For decades, we blindly trusted big corporates and governments, believing they had our best interests at heart. But today, we’re more awake, and the evidence is undeniable. The proof and case studies are there. Now, it’s your turn to take responsibility. Those who choose not to see this reality are choosing blindness.

Make one small swap today. Your health depends on it.

Ready to explore more? Just reach out via my social media channels or drop me an email (katkarosabelle@gmail.com) - I’m here to guide your journey to thriving, toxin-free living!