I live with my cousin and her husband who are both old and very unhealthy. They are exactly who I don't want to be when I'm older because they are unhealthy due to their lifestyle. They both developed diabetes, asthma and heart problems later in life. I tried speaking them out of the horribleness they're eating but that's a different topic.
In the mornings or on my Prep Days I love to Juice my Veggies; Kale, Chard, Spinach, sometimes Celery and Carrots too with a bit of Apple to make it sweet.
I used to only buy veggies from Sainsburys that I am sure aren't all organic as they say. I juiced early 4am and I knew they were asleep (they say they can't hear anything from the kitchen where they are)
My cousin came downstairs coughing saying she can't handle the feeling this smell/odour is giving her. She can't even pinpoint which vegetable it is, but it causes some sort of asthma attack. I held the celery to her and she said it has got to be that one.
Next day I then I took the celery out, she still woke up, she said it wasn't as bad as when I used the celery but it was still enough to wake her up.
I went to the farmers market this time and bought Kale, Chard, Spinach and Beetroot. I left them in the kitchen and everything was fine up until they turned on the heat and the heat effected the food and BAM there again she's having a reaction and so is her husband.
I feel so guilty I want to juice but I don't wanna get kicked out the house. I don't want her to tell my mother either. I don't want her to suffer but I really need to do something about this reaction and where it's coming from. There's a bit of a culture and language barrier as well
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That's a tough one to deal with! Maybe smoothies with frozen ingredients would release less of a smell into the air? I know it's not really the same as juicing.
I can imagine that you're feeling a mix of frustration and guilt right now. You're genuinely trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but it's inadvertently causing discomfort to your cousin and her husband. Here are a few suggestions to help navigate this situation:
Ventilation: Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated while juicing. Opening windows, using exhaust fans, or even setting up a portable fan can help disperse any odors.
Time and Place: Try juicing at a different time of day when your cousin and her husband are less likely to be affected. Alternatively, consider juicing in a different location if possible, like a garage or outdoor space.
Storage: Juice in larger batches and store the juice in the refrigerator. This way, you won’t need to juice as frequently, reducing the chances of triggering a reaction.
Allergy Tests: Encourage your cousin and her husband to get allergy tests if they haven't already. It might help pinpoint the exact cause of their reactions and inform you better about what to avoid.
Communication: Open a calm and understanding conversation with them. Share your concerns and intentions and ask for their suggestions on how to resolve the issue. Sometimes, a collaborative approach can help find a middle ground homedepot survey 2025
Alternative Ingredients: Experiment with different vegetables and fruits that might have a less intense odor. Mild-smelling options like cucumbers or leafy greens could be more tolerable.
Living with family can be a balancing act, especially when it comes to health and lifestyle choices.
You’re just trying to be healthy, but it’s clearly affecting them in a way that seems extreme. It’s odd that they’re reacting so strongly to veggies, especially when they’re just sitting there. Could be something like a sensitivity to certain compounds released when the veggies warm up, or even mold spores if anything was slightly off.
One thing to try can you juice in a different spot? Maybe outside, in the garage, or with a window open and a fan blowing out? Also, storing your produce in airtight containers or the fridge might help keep any odors from spreading. If you’re using a juicer that creates a strong smell, maybe prep the night before and store the juice in a sealed bottle.
At the same time, I’d be a little skeptical about how much of this is real sensitivity vs. just disliking the idea of it. Either way, keeping the peace is important if you don’t want drama. Maybe framing it as “I’m trying to be healthy and avoid the same health issues you’re struggling with” could make them more understanding.
It sounds like they have some kind of sensitivity to the compounds in fresh veggies, maybe something related to strong plant odors or even a histamine reaction. Since it's happening with multiple veggies, it might not be just the celery could be something in leafy greens when they’re exposed to heat or cut open. Maybe try juicing outside or in a well-ventilated area with a fan on? You could also experiment with different storage methods like keeping greens in airtight containers so they don’t release as much scent. If they’re open to it, maybe see if a doctor can help pinpoint the actual cause.