Feelin' Low.

My asthma no longer seems to be improving. I'm going to acupuncture once a week, as opposed to two, and with the weather getting warmer, my chest and sinuses have gotten increasingly more congested.

I went to acupuncture today, and with seemingly no improvement, I got a few things in hopes of helping out my asthma.

First, is actually something I've used before: Cordychi. Cordychi is a capsule of a combination of freeze dried mushrooms designed for breathing support. In the past, using this has given slight relief to my symptoms, but nothing significant. Although, at the Holistic Pharmacy where I bought this, the workers there tell me every time I come in how other people with asthma use it and their asthma improves significantly. I'm hoping since, in general, my asthma HAS improved, it will hopefully show more effects than it has in the past.

Second, is Florajen (Florajen 3, to be exact). This is strange, since Florajen is actually something generally used for digestive health, but the reason I'm using it, is because there is a chance I'm what's called "Candida Sensitive".

Candida is a bacteria that exists normally in the vagina and gastrointestinal tract, but when there is an overgrowth of them, they can have some unwanted effects. Some of these can be mental sluggishness, allergies chronic fatigue, immune system malfunction (possible reason for asthma, in anyone), depression, hormonal imbalanced, and poor menstrual cycle (all of which I suffer from). Other effects include chronic vaginitis or prostatitis, chemical sensitivities, bloating or other digestive issues and skin problems.

Talking to the woman at the pharmacy, she explained to me that there was absolutely no way there could be any adverse effects from taking it, and may even improve any digestion issues I may have (and not even realize). I spent my $15, and decided to give the One Month supply a chance. The pills contain a ton of micro-organisms, so many in fact, that they are equal to the live cultures in 10 cups of yogurt! Crazy. Can't wait to see how this affects me.

Also, for those of you who are not aware, I am trying to cut dairy out of my diet almost as completely as possible. I am struggling quite a bit (especially living in what the world calls The Dairyland!), and the fact that since becoming a vegetarian just 2 months ago, another significant diet change came as a huge transition to deal with. I have found a lot of dairy-alternatives, including 'veganaise', as well as vegan cheese (which is only kind of passable as cheese if melted), but found (as per suggestion of a friend. Hi Allysha!) to try a brand called SO Delicious, a dairy-free, soy-free coconut milk brand.

I bought a quart of their 'Mocha Fudge' ice cream, as well as a pint of their French Vanilla creamer in hopes of somethine good coming from it. I have yet to try the creamer, but if it's even HALF as good as the ice cream, then I will be ecstatic. The ice cream is amazing, full of flavor, and tastes just like real ice cream...we even managed to (sort of) trick my cat into thinking it was milk. A feat, indeed. It's really fantastic to know I have somewhere to go if I need a really great treat, without cheating myself.

Hopefully between the two herbal supplements, and more reasons to be able to cut dairy out of my diet, I'll see some more improvement!