Blog

BLOG

Uncategorized

The Race Toward Another Shut-Down

The year 2020 arrived with much fanfare. We had been expecting this milestone year for many years. It was filled with monumental expectations. For me it was the planning of my 40th Kenwood Academy Reunion from high school. For my daughter, it was her Prom, Graduation and going off to her dream college where she was awarded a scholarship. Yet, none of us ever dreamed we would be faced with a menace called Covid-19 swooping in to claim all of our plans. I believe it was Robert Burns who said, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” If you can’t say Amen to that, say ouch!!!

The Summer has come-and-gone. Thanksgiving has come-and-gone. However, Covid-19 remains. As 2020 comes to a close there is an obvious race toward another shut-down of these United States. Doctors take an oath to, “First do no harm”. This should also be a part of the oath that government officials take as well because with an American dying every 30 seconds from Covid they have failed us. With our workforce damaged due to death and illness, something equally damaging is following the plague and it is famine. Since we have an administration slow to respond, you need to do everything possible to protect yourself and be ready to survive this wave and every wave to come. We have a slogan on our team and in my house…Stay Ready so you don’t have to Get Ready!

There are many additional conversations we need to have that are missing from the equation on how to stay healthy. I would love to see the woman in the cartoon washing her hands leave the bathroom and go to the kitchen with her family to prepare a meal together with plates that look like the rainbow. This will STRENGTHEN the Immune System. This is the missing piece in the Covid conversation. The vaccine is NOT the answer. Allow your Immune System to battle for you and not some invader that was fast-tracked to bring it to market to satisfy a screaming public. I can tell you first-hand that a strong immunity kept me from the virus of HIV when my first husband married me knowing he had full-blown AIDS and did not tell me. God and my rock-solid immunity beat HIV and it will combat Covid!!!

Know this…Wearing a mask protects YOU. Washing your hands protects YOU. Eating a plate like the rainbow with colorful foods will strengthen YOU. Going to bed early repairs YOU. Drinking water helps to flush the toxins from the body to build a better YOU.

The unexpected visitor named Covid came in to our country like a hurricane and brought massive devastation. It is a plague of magnanimous proportions. Therefore, get ready to stay indoors and while inside protect yourselves. I can understand if you were not prepared to quarantine back in February, but today, if you don’t have enough food, water, and toilet paper KNOWING a plague is in the streets, Shame on YOU!

The time is upon us…Get Ready!

Uncategorized

CRITICAL ALERT

A Word on The Corona Virus from The Good Doctor

In the wake of the Corona Virus and an administration slow to issue proactive measures, I wanted to take a moment to address some effective precautions that have been over-looked. As a Naturopathic Doctor who teaches how to maintain Perfect Health, I sincerely believe that the absolute best precaution is prevention.

I find it necessary to share my concerns about safety during these times. Now is the time to do all of the things I have shared with you for your health. If you have fallen off… GET BACK UP NOW!! START by Deworming as the season will be changing next week. Start your Deworming protocol NOW.

One of the things that we know helps to protect you against any germ or virus is MICRO DAILY. Dr. Persuad created this product to protect the military for nasty stuff just like this. For ultimate protection take up to 6 capsules per day or 3 pouches of HYDRO per day or a mix of the two. This is what we do in our house. We use 1 Hydro in our Green Smoothie (tastes good too) and we take 4 capsules.

To order call the Engage Global company in Utah at:
CALL TO ORDER AT:
801.655.4501
PER DR. BROOKSHIRE
ID# 156 705

Listen to the scientific evidence with Dr. Prasad on the Corona Virus and why Micro Daily is evidence-based protection!
https://youtu.be/oXjQG4uhrHE

My cousin in California called me crying that she could not find plastic gloves, sanitizer, or disinfectant wipes. I shipped her a box of supplies. The combination of Dr. Persuad’s information plus the fact that California cannot find cleaning supplies, AND… in Pennsylvania we are only allowed to purchase 4 bottles of Alcohol at the store. This ‘rationing’ is sweeping across the country.

In the wake of the Corona Virus and an administration slow to issue proactive measures, I wanted to take a moment to address some effective precautions that have been over-looked. As a Naturopathic Doctor who teaches how to maintain Perfect Health, I sincerely believe that the absolute best precaution is prevention.

Here are my Top 13 ‘Ounce of Prevention’ tips:

1. Stay Hydrated – rinsing away toxicity internally at least every 30 minutes is a top of the list along with going to the bathroom when nature calls instead of ignoring the signals.
2. Do not touch ANYTHING in public with bare hands – door handles, the bathroom door, the soap dispenser, the faucet, elevator buttons, the subway rails. Use a latex or nitrile glove or a napkin or tissue.
3. Frequent Hand Washing – We talk a lot about hand washing but the correct way is to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY two times. Grab a paper towel to lock and open bathroom stall door, dispense soap, turn on faucet, and dry hands. Wash hands upon entering buildings, and your home. Sanitize your hands when entering your car or office. Encourage everyone in your family to carry sanitizer.
4. Sanitize Frequently – When shaking hands or coming in contact with surfaces. Make your own sanitizer with equal parts of Alcohol, Wintergreen Alcohol and Witch Hazel or Peroxide. On surfaces, White Vinegar and Peroxide are germ assassins. So as the stores are getting low on Clorox, Lysol & Alcohol stock-up on White Vinegar.
5. Cover your Eyes – Just as the eyes are the gateway to the soul, they are also an open orifice. Wear glasses or goggles while in public like on a bus, train, or crowded places.
6. Plug your Ears – The ears are an entry point of infection. Plug with a small square of tissue NOT Earbuds, however a headset covering the entire ear like Beats or similar brands will suffice.
7. Clean your Nose – When bathing use a washcloth or a wet paper towel and your finger to clean the inside of your nose. You may be shocked to discover dirt in your nostrils. And then blow into the wet towel and clean again. It is time to blow the dust off of your Neti-Pot and use it every other day to rinse the nasal passages.
8. Bathing – Bathe at night EVERY day. Do NOT dream of laying in bed after you have been here-there-and-everywhere with germs on your body. Use a Natural Antibacterial Soap like Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree, or Peppermint soap. Use a Clean towel Everyday. We get 3 million new skin cells everyday and the ones from today go down the drain and end up on the towel. Do NOT re-use.
9. Clothing – Put dirty clothes in a closed laundry basket or draw-string bag daily. Do NOT repeat clothing worn the day before. Wash clothes every few days.
10. Eat the Rainbow – Increase the Fruit and Veggies on your plate. Minimize Starch and Avoid Sweets altogether as they tear down the body’s defense mechanism. Kick the coffee, soda, alcohol habits cold turkey as these drag down your immunity.
11. Strengthen Your Immune System – Now is the time to do EVERYTHING right! Increase your Vitamins Three-fold. Exercise. Go to bed at 10pm or before. The worst thing that could have happened to America is Daylight Savings Time where we now lose an hour of sleep. Do NOT lose this hour!! The body needs to fight off invaders and that can only happen while sleeping.
12. Pay Attention to your Body – If you don’t feel your best and you do not have a fever, don’t just go to bed early and eat chicken soup, DO something about it before crawling into bed…Up your Vitamin C and Cod Liver Oil, chop a couple of garlic cloves and swallow them, make ginger/honey/lemon/cayenne pepper tea and then go to bed early.
13. Calm the Fear Factor — Being afraid and worrying will sink an immune system faster than any virus. Monitor who and what you listen to for information.

14. Close the toilet seat cover before flushing – if you don’t everything in it will splash 50 feet around the bathroom. That is why there is a cover.
15. Take off your shoes at the door – Please do NOT drag around your daily steps past your threshold. Shoes OFF!!!
16. Calm the Fear Factor — Being afraid and worrying will sink an immune system faster than any virus. Monitor who and what you listen to for information. I don’t want you to buy in to conspiracy theories like Black folk are not being infected, or it was created in a lab. It matters not if either of these things are true, what does matter is that Corona Virus is here and it is a Menace to society. Be vigilant with your health. STAY in a posture of Prevention.
That is all for now.

Praying for your Perfect Health…Dr. Brookshire

Hot Topic

What You Don’t See…

What You Don’t See…

By Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire

I was inspired by the television program BLACK WOMEN OWN THE CONVERSATION discussing Beauty. The audience of 100 women from all walks of life held a candid exchange about Hair and Colorism in society today. It evoked a strong emotion within me as I heard these women discuss their challenges, pains, and triumphs over these issues of the day. This discourse reminded me of some of my own musings on these very topics. As each woman spoke, I could hear both the pain and liberation behind the words…especially the un-spoken words. I couldn’t help but wonder What You Don’t See. So, I asked and answered myself the complex question.

What You Don’t See in me is a tall, lanky young girl called “over-grown” because of her height, nosey due to being loquacious with a healthy suspicion, and intellect as if I didn’t have a right to be either. As if I only had the right to be pretty to some just because I’m light-skinned and that -all by itself some said- should be enough. The under-tone was that I needed to calm down in my quest for education and I did not have to be the always high-reaching, high-achiever because I was going to make it in life just because I was light-skinned. Thank God I didn’t drink the Kool-Aid and I called B.S. on that ideology when I was a teenager!

As a Holistic practitioner teaching healthy living, I get the side-eye from some who hair-shame me for having a texturizer in my head of thick hair below shoulder length. What You Don’t See are the hours spent toiling over keeping this hair beat into submission. The constant chastisement from my peers in Junior High School of having any hair at all was relentless. Finally, my classmates were fed-up with my decent length of hair thought it not robbery to set my ponytail on fire…Literally.

What You Don’t See is how this hair has to be whipped and flipped when it is in its natural state to the point where I had to wash one side of my hair at a time because I could not handle the nap-fest atop my head. I’m talking all kinky, with no curls in sight. I was missing in the line when manageable hair was passed out. This Crown of Glory of mine left burning in a Seventh-grade classroom that was put out by a boy who would not tolerate the injustice done to me, causes a great deal of controversy for many, and pain for me to recall.

This Crown of Glory of mine which was the scrutiny of my corporate job by which managers and even the president of the company came by my cubicle to ogle at my hair neatly braided for the summer. What They Didn’t See was that I was making an attempt at ensuring my then natural hair was not unkempt due to the summer heat and its disobedience which lay defenseless against high temps and humidity. The neatly braided cornrows were not defiant -as they put it- but without them, the Afro ala Angela Davis was sure to have been a defiant gesture indeed and would have undoubtedly surfaced had it not been for the taming.

As I watched BLACK WOMEN OWN THE CONVERSATION and the discussion about Hair and Colorism, I’m reminded of how a woman’s decision today has been informed by her past, her pain, and her preferences. When it comes to our skin color and our hair, just let it be because you never know What You Don’t See.

Hot Topic, In The News, Uncategorized

Standing in Your Truth for Your Health

I am in the midst of a series about Standing in your Truth and it seems as if I cannot turn away from this topic. As a Naturopathic Doctor I am deeply committed to treating the WHOLE person – Mind, Body, and Spirit. In my clinical work I have come to understand that a myriad of health issues spiral out-of-control simply because one refuses to deal with their truth.

Truth is defined as that which is in accordance with fact or reality. The society in which we live today is plagued by those who live in false realities. The television spews programming being touted as “Reality” which is scripted and then wants us to swallow it as gospel and the trend I see happening is that it is easier to sink into a false reality than to deal with the facts.

The little denials are still a whole entire lie and the body has zero defense against it. Physiologically the body cannot tolerate a lie. The body has an innate healing ability and does a great job at caring for itself to maintain balance. This science is called Kinesiology. So, when an un-truth about absolutely ANY thing in your life is being told, forced to live, and forced to swallow …here comes trouble by the names of Dis-ease and Dis-order. Every disease and disorder have an emotional component and, in my work, I can name the emotional problems based on your health.

One of the most prevalent health issues which arise due to un-truths are Thyroid disorders. The American Thyroid Association states that women are five to eight times more likely to develop a Thyroid issue compared to men. This is due to women having a history of swallowing their truth and not expressing it in an effort to keep the peace. While the peace may be kept externally due to silence, inside there is a storm raging! 

Stomach upset is also a by-product of not living in your truth. True Story – When I married my first husband, I had a terrible upset stomach the morning of the wedding. I was un-easy and queasy but I dismissed it because I was about to have the perfect wedding. Then in the back of the church as I was about to walk down the aisle I told my Daddy, “I have the strangest feeling I shouldn’t be doing this.” It turns out that my Prince Charming married me knowing he had full-blown AIDS. He chose NOT to stand in his truth and I watched AIDS eat him alive unnecessarily. (Read full account in the bestselling book Faith Under Fire: Betrayed by a Thing Called Love Karen Hunter Publishing/Pocket Books)

I have seen many who have stomach issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heartburn, GERD which eventually lead to Auto-Immune Diseases. When asking a patient, the simple question, “When you were diagnosed, what was the situation in your life that you could not swallow and digest?” When the tears stop flowing, then the person is able to answer this question.

If you cannot swallow what has happened in your life, then you cannot digest what has happened. When you cannot digest an event which troubles the Spirit, the body cannot digest food. When food cannot be digested, the un-digested particles float out from the Colon and land in places where food should not be located and wreak havoc.

Undigested food in the Myelin Sheath = Multiple Sclerosis

Undigested food in the Lungs = Sarcoidosis

Undigested food in the Joints = Rheumatoid Arthritis

Undigested food in the Connective Tissue = Lupus

Undigested food in the Muscular System = Myasthenia Gravis

I rest my case.

Recently, I have had a few guests on my SiriusXM UrbanView radio show “Ask The Good Doctor” who have stood in their truth and are soaring! Monika Pickett and David Haughton are a man and a woman who both knew early in their lives they were gay. They have conquered being ostracized from family, and taunted as teens because they were different. Then there is Vincent Bragg a former drug dealer who was incarcerated for ten years and is now the owner of ConCreates, a creative advertising agency putting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons to work.

These people are an inspiration because they are not afraid to speak about their challenges. They have swallowed, and digested what has occurred in their lives and have moved on in a positive direction. For some in society today whose backgrounds may seem complicated and resumes may need to be censured to make them palatable for the masses, I say BRAVO for standing in your truth as you press on for your healing.

The emotional work on your body is equally important as your physical work. As I continue to teach about Attaining, Maintaining, and Reclaiming Perfect Health, may I encourage you to stand in YOUR truth no matter what it is. The truth will do your body good …because only the truth will make you free and keep you healthy.

Hot Topic

CRITICAL ALERT! NEW STATISTICS ON HEART DISEASE FROM MY HEART, TO YOURS

Did you know that Black women, have a number-one health enemy, and it is Heart Disease?

I am sounding the ALARM today because I do not understand the silence. I have shared much life-saving information with you… however, the information I am sharing here today is probably the most important thing I have ever conveyed.

The Black Women’s Health Imperative.org says, “Heart Disease is so bad (amongst Black Women) that you should wake up thinking about it. You should talk about it with every other woman you know. Because it’s killing us—right now.”

As crazy as this might sound, Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., but only about 1 in 3 Black women is aware of it. To make matters worse, this killer issue is more common in Black women than in women of other races.

In the late 1990s researchers discovered women were about as likely as men to be diagnosed with heart disease and for most of them, they were more likely to die from it. Women did not have the classic signs and symptoms so often and unfortunately, it went undiagnosed and untreated.

According to one recent study in the Medical Journal they report, along with chest pain, women also suffer from fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion, pain in the neck, back or jaw, nausea, or anxiety for months leading-up to a heart attack. (I am also going to throw in constipation.) In more than half of the cases, doctors fail to recognize the symptoms. I have to add that doctors do not even look at constipation as a risk factor while holistic practitioners certainly do.

Heart disease is the number one cause of both death and disability in women in the U.S. And Black women have an even higher chance of dying from heart disease—and at a younger age—compared to white women, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

How big of a problem is this? About 49% of African American women over age 20 have some type of heart disease, like:

  • Clogged arteries in the heart, arms, or legs
  • Stroke
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Angina (chest pain)

That means nearly 1-in every-2 Black women in the U.S. has Heart Disease. Let me reiterate… 1-in every-2 Black women has or have had Heart Disease. That is 50%. That is every other Black woman you know.

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that: Black women are nearly twice as likely to have a stroke compared with white women.

There are several reasons why Heart Disease tends to be such a big issue for African Americans generally, and Black women specifically. Like, Diabetes, high Cholesterol, and Obesity which increases a person’s risk of developing Heart Disease.

Even the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that because you can get Heart Disease from your genes, sometimes you can also get it from picking up unhealthy habits from your parents.

Now this is the truth!! The lifestyles we engage in comes from learned familial behaviors…especially in what we eat! You know… the macaroni and cheese with five cheeses AND evaporated milk, and a pound of butter, and the cake you make from Aunties secret recipe is a heart attack on a plate. However, I counter that Heart Disease is not in your gene pool, rather it is in your recipe box. Your Biography does not constitute your Biology.

You do not have to inherit the diseases of Mama, Grannie, and Auntie and Dad unless you are eating what they ate! So please stop speaking disease into your life by saying, “My mom had Heart Disease, so I will have it eventually, too.” If you do what Mama did then sadly, YES you will. If you stop what you’re doing and walk in the opposite direction you will not!

So, if you’re frying vegetables in grease, or snacking on deep-fried French Fries a few times a week, you might want to replace those habits with healthier ones. Try fresh, raw vegetables or baked potatoes. Your arteries will breathe a sigh of relief.

I am going to recommend some dynamic Good Doctor Approved products to assist you in attaining Perfect Health.

.Jamaica Moringa and the Pineapple Island Detox Tea will help you to drop the weight when coupled with a healthy diet. https://www.jamaicamoringa.com/DrBrookshire/

.RevitaBlu the Stem Cell Nutrient will help your Stem Cells to improve their function which helps the body to heal by repairing the Stem Cells. https://drlajoyce.jeunesseglobal.com/

.MicroDaily has the Micro Minerals the body MUST have which helps to improve oxidative stress of the cells and does a job on Inflammation. https://drbrookshire.engage-global.com/

To Detox the body entirely — pick up my book from the Ask The Good Doctor Book Series: The Detox Edition REMIXED for a Healthy New You https://www.amazon.com/dp/1584410019/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1549393620&sr=1-1

Tips, Uncategorized

INTERMITTENT FASTING BENEFITS

I have been talking about Intermittent Fasting since the beginning of the year. I have recently made the commitment to make every effort to do engage in this practice until the end of March 2019. I have to admit that is has been incredibly challenging for me. Allow me to first complain…I wake very early usually between 5am-6am and I have done more by 11am than most people do all day. The challenge is because I am so active so early I am racking up an appetite and at least by 9am I am hungry. I also enjoy a morning Green Smoothie (as outlined in my cookbook Yes, You Are What You Eat: Recipes to Enhance Your Wellness Journey exclusively available on this site) breakfast and especially hot eggs, avocado, and green salad. The first week I realized I was pre-occupied with waiting for the stroke of 11am to shove in the first thing I could see…generally something I would not typically eat.
Moving past the first 2 weeks, I must admit that the practice of Intermittent Fasting has gotten easier. It takes planning, will-power, and a made-up mind. The Intermittent Fasting is a part of the LAY DOWN THE WEIGHT – Mind, Body, and Spirit program initiated on my radio show. The premise is the put down all of the things that we have been dragging around – and to stand in our truth…no matter what it is.
With the Intermittent Fasting when it gets tough between 8:30 and 1030am, I drink The Master Cleanse which is comprised of 1 gallon of Distilled or Filtered Water, Organic Maple Syrup, 2 Lemons squeezed, and a teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper. When I take a few sips of this drink it helps to stave off my hunger. I have noticed increased mental clarity and a few pounds in weight loss. I have also coupled this practice with taking 2 Miracle Jamaican Moringa Capsules and 1 cup of Pineapple Island Detox Tea each day. (Get at www.JamaicaMoringa.com/DrBrookshire). Also in the morning before food I take the Stem Cell Nutrient RevitaBlu (Get at www.DrLaJoyce/Jeunesseglobal.com)
While I have absolutely NO health challenges, I want to ensure that I maintain my Perfect Health. See the chart below from Dr. Mercola which will help to keep you on track with Intermittent Fasting.

Intermittent Fasting

Hot Topic

What’s in Your Herbal First AID Cabinet?

I am going to share a story, because as a Naturopath I do not want it to be thought nothing can ever happen to me. I want you to know that sometimes, life happens…to all of us. Recently, I spoke at an event where we were fed a healthy dinner. I was really impressed with the effort put into ensuring it was all healthy. I chose the Red Snapper with bone-in and Spinach. I woke up the next morning with Food Poisoning. I was dizzy, had the runs, and was vomiting. I knew it was food poisoning the minute I smelled the poop which did NOT smell or look like my usual at all!

I have suggested on numerous occasions that your pee and poop be examined closely because this is the best way to monitor your health. Once again…Pay attention to your pee and poop. On this morning my pee was very, very acrid, which is almost NEVER unless I am eating Asparagus.

I knew the Good Doctor had to get into action and Doctor on myself. ASAP. I was fortunate enough to have these items in my First Aid Cabinet and I want you to be equally equipped when things happen to you and your family. Your cabinet must be stocked for emergencies to keep you out of emergency rooms so that you can heal yourself. As we embark on the “Healthy New You Program” I want you get your Emergency Nutraceuticals in order.

The First thing I did was take:

  1. Activated Charcoal – This product soaks-up un-wanted toxins and poisons in the body and helps them to be eliminated.
  2. Gastrex (by Standard Process) – This amazing product is wonderful for any kind of digestive upset and food Poisoning. I went back to sleep and every time I was awakened to poop I took something else.
  3. Jamaican Moringa – A wonderful adaptogen which helps to detoxify at a cellular level. com/DrBrookshire
  4. RevitaBlu – A Stem Cell Nutrient to help support the Stem Cells. Mine were definitely under attack! JeunesseGlobal.com
  5. MicroDaily Hyrdo – a supplement to replace the Micro-Nutrients a body needs especially when under seige by toxins and oxidative cellular stress.

DrBrookshire.engage-global.com

By 2pm I was feeling myself again. By 4pm I was drinking Moringa Detox Tea & eating Butternut Squash Soup and writing about this experience.

Some of you may be saying that is tooooo… much!! No, it is not. When something happens to me, I go ROGUE! You must go Rogue on an invader. If not, it can hang around for days … No one has time for that. The longer an invader is allowed to hang around, the longer it has an opportunity to take-up residence deciding it likes your nice, warm body. Nope… I call out all Poisons… They have GOT to go. When actively working on expelling the toxicity, with every bathroom run… pay attention. Because I went to work on myself, the smell was less and less intense every time I went to the bathroom.

Here are some other First Aid Cabinet must haves:

.Digestive Enzymes – I love DGL by Enzymatic Therapy.  These chewable wafers are great to put out the fire of Acid Reflux and Heartburn. Chew 4-5 of them before eating, after eating or anytime the fire feels out of control.

.Hydrogen Peroxide – Yes, regular drug store or even Dollar Store Peroxide. I use Peroxide whenever I feel something nasty trying to sneak up on me that if it is not addressed will progress into something major. I use it as an Ear Therapy because the ears are the entry point of infection. The Peroxide will draw out infection from the ears. It will also lower a fever without drugs. Respect the Fever and please… use NO Fever lowering meds… repeat… NO Fever lowering meds.

.Oil of Oregano – 2 weeks ago at the got a Manicure/Pedicure got chills because the place was cold and when I came home I felt like something was coming on. I took two full droppers of Oil of Oregano, chased it with water, and went to bed early. The next day it was as if nothing ever happened.

.Marshmallow Root Capsules – This herb is a Demulcent. It softens the mucous membranes so that the phlegm can leave the body. While taking this product it will make you thirsty so that the mucous can run out of the body. It will come from EVERY available hole! Do not be alarmed at the color of the mucous, the quantity, and the smell. It will feel like you are ridding yourself of everything that has been hanging around since first grade.

.Deep Tissue Oil – This product from Dr. Schulze’s American Botanical Pharmacy is excellent for aches, pains, and sprains. My daughter is a dancer and is never without it in her dance bag. It contains Wintergreen Oil, Habanero Pepper, and Botanical Menthol to name a few ingredients. Order at 1.800.HERB.DOC.

.Bach Flower Rescue Remedy Cream – In our house this product is simply known as “The Cream” and replaces Neosporin for any scratch, scrape, or burn. I have experienced it literally healing overnight.

Hot Topic

To Commemorate World AIDS Day – What is Your Status?

Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire

December 1, 2018

It was December 1, 1990 and unbeknownst to me it was the 2nd Annual World AIDS Day. To me it was quite simply supposed to be the happiest day of my life… my wedding day. And little did I know that the man to whom I was pledging my vows to God in front of family and friends had AIDS.

In commemoration of World AIDS Day, I want to have a real talk about HIV/AIDS that is still a thorn in the side of Communities of Color 30 years later.

The man I fell in love with married me knowing he had full-blown AIDS and did not tell me. He wined, and dined me, and proposed to me five months into our relationship. Can you say RED FLAG RIGHT THERE???  Because the end of our getting-to-know-you phase ended and the planning-my-fabulous-out-of-town wedding began. There were so many things that were wrong about it all and I just chalked it up to Wedding Stress. The moment we got married and were on the honeymoon in Hawaii he flips. I mean, I do not recognize my new husband. This Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde behavior continues for two years until he gets sick and is diagnosed with full blown AIDS. Now the doctors all think I’m infected too and they had the audacity to make an attempt to convince me of a fate that did not belong to me.  I had to burst in to a full-on rant like a Black woman from the South Side of Chicago to get those folks to take my blood so they could tell me I was negative.  And, I am negative…Hallelujah!!!. I know I am God’s Girl and I am covered by His Grace AND I have a Rock-Solid Immune System. On that day, and in that moment, there was no doctor who could have convinced me of the contrary.

Continue Reading
Resources, Tips

Digestive Issues

I want to get to get on my Soapbox for a minute… I saw a commercial on TV that just set me off…. The tagline was “Eat Your Way – Treat Your Way.” The product is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines, Acid Reflux and esophageal problems.

Then the commercial has the nerve to have a Cartoonish Fireman propped up on the box intimating that this product can indeed put the fire out that one may feel after eating. No doubt that it can, but… The reason why I am so angry about this is because the invitation to eat any way you want and then to take this magic bullet is exactly the mind-set we need to run from permanently because food is not the only thing to be considered with digestive upset. How you handle Emotional imbalance in relation to the Stressors in Life play a huge part. When this is the case with that burning sensation, no little pill will make it go away. The only thing that will help is to do what Iyanla Vanzant suggests… Do Your Work! We will get to Emotional distress next time. However, when food IS the culprit, while it may sound like a good thing that the little pill can put out fire, in most cases it is the absolute worst tactic possible for problems like heartburn and acid reflux, because generally with these conditions, the stomach isnotproducing enough stomach acid. Taking these drugs will only WORSEN an acid reflux condition.

One of the primary concerns with prolonged usage is that reducing acid in the stomach weakens the primary defense mechanism for food-borne infections, which can increase the risk of food poisoning and also the risk of infection with C-Diff, which is a very harmful intestinal bacteria. So…If you’re taking an acid blocker, get on a lower dose sooner than later. Once down to the lowest dose, start substituting with Digestive Enzymes which are excellent in working with stomach acid to help break down food to nourish the entire body.

Here are a few of your questions and answers:

RainyDay on Instagramsays:

I am terrified to give up my little purple pills there is no way I can go back to feeling that fire I used to feel in my chest when I lay down.

Answer:

My dear… I hear you… Who wants to feel thaaat!!! The Chewable Digestive Enzyme DGL by Enzymatic Therapy puts out fire. Just 4-5 chewables before eating, while eating, or after eating will do the trick. AND … there are NO side effects nor contra-indications with medications. I have successfully gotten my mother off of the purple pills and she is permanently using DGL. What have you got to lose… try it.

David S. onFacebook says:

I like salad, but I don’t like to eat other veggies raw and I know that cooking the veggies depletes the enzyme power.

Answer:

You are so smart … that is correct… OVER cooking vegetables depletes their enzyme power. Since you don’t like raw veggies, try having at least one substantial salad meal per day made with a good hearty lettuce like organic romaine or Red Leaf, Kale or even Spinach. Ensure that your salad dressing is Organic so that it has no High Fructose Corn Syrup and eat up!

MJ on Twitter says:

I burp a lot after I have my faithful 2 cups of coffee and my chest burns. I’m not on meds but I’m thinking I may need them.

Answer:

Hiccupping or burping is definitely a sign of esophageal distress as well as dehydration. It is because coffee is one of the most acidic beverages on the planet. Imagine a large bowl with your 2 cups of coffee. Now pour water into the bowl until the coffee is no longer visible. How much water will you have to pour into the bowl until the water is clear? Well, in the body you would have to drink 32 cups of water to make your body look like it Never had one cup of coffee. This is also is true for drinking Pop. Are you willing to drink that much water to flush out one cup of coffee? And by drinking 2 cups of coffee daily now you need 64 cups of water. Are you willing to do that?  Write me back and let me know what you have decided.

Remember, Your Health will not get better with Chance, Your Health will only get better with Change.