Over the past year, public health authorities have repeatedly assured potential vaccine candidates that the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 injections "stay in the arm." Although a basic understanding of physiology and pharmacokinetics of intramuscular (IM) injections would seem to cast doubt on this claim, a number of research studies have already weighed in on this topic:

“IM [or intramuscular] injections yielded expression at the injection site (68%), liver (12%), and kidneys (11%)” (2).

“Given this innovative vaccine platform, we examined the bio-distribution of the mRNA vaccines for both routes of administration [in male rats] […] Following IM administration, the maximum concentration (Cmax) of the injection site muscle was 5,680 ng/mL, and the level declined with an estimated t1/2 of 18.8 hr. Proximal lymph nodes had the second highest concentration at 2,120 ng/mL[…], suggesting that [the] mRNA distributes from the injection site to systemic circulation through the lymphatic system. The spleen and liver had a mean Cmax of 86.9 ng/mL […] and 47.2 ng/mL […], respectively. In the remaining tissues and plasma, H10 mRNA was found at 100- to1,000-fold lower levels” (3).

“while mRNA mainly transfects cells near the injection site it could hypothetically reach any cell in the body (Maugeri et al., 2019; Pardi et al., 2015)” (4).

To sum up these findings, as in other lipid nanoparticle studies featuring the intramuscular injection route, the majority of the vaccine does in fact reside near the injection site, however, to a lesser yet potentially significant extent these substances can migrate to the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, and other organs. How do we know this? Partly because of the larger body of evidence we’ve just discussed, but also specific insight from a study shared by Pfizer at the behest of the Japanese government (1).​

Here's what they disclosed: Figure A shows all significant distribution sites plotted, Figure B shows distribution curves without reference to the injection site (to get a better view of the sites of lesser concentration). 

​According to the charts above, the liver holds the lion’s share of the systemic spread. Just for the record, the Pfizer lipid nanoparticle was actually designed to target hepatocytes (liver cells) though it can transfect others as well (5).  Thus, we can see from the above data, the lipid nanoparticle injection traveled to other areas of the body as well (one would assume through the bloodstream). However, here's where things get sketchy, an important consideration is that the logical route of transmission in listed sites (via the circulatory system) that occurs from .25 hours to 8 hrs does not account for the area under the curve (or total amount of LNP) in the organs  saturated with LNP from about 2 hours to 48 hours. Here are two data plots (scaled for actual elapsed time and devoid of the injection site data points) that show this disturbing trend. Figure C shows the same data as above, only now scaled for elapsed time. Figure D shows total area under the curve (a quantitative depiction of how  nanoparticle concentration).

Figure C

Figure D

​Therefore, if these nanoparticles are not traveling through the blood in significant amounts beyond 8 hours, there must be a novel distribution method such as translocation along axons of the peripheral nerves or uptake/ transport by mononuclear cells- both observable with other types of nanoparticles (6, 7, 8, 9). However one thing is for certain: injection site to organ/ tissue transport is somehow occurring beyond the initial circulatory diffusion timeline. This leads to some rather important questions... Why didn't Pfizer show what happened to these mice after 48 hours? Why did they only reveal part of the data? Maybe they ran out of mice since the rodents were killed at set points during the study? Another idea could be that they were simply trying to show possible translocation via the circulatory system. But we have already shown that this is false- that there would have to be some other major route of translocation besides the circulatory system.

So, if we could see the data post 48 hours we would expect more of this potentially dangerous trend. Potentially most disturbing is that by this time an alarming percentage of LNP’s had made their way to the most vital of the female reproductive organs: the ovaries. This is a strange occurrence considering that these organs are not a site of massive blood perfusion like the spleen or liver. To make matters worse, this increase follows an exponential curve: a trend that could lead to tremendously increasing concentration of nanoparticles in these specific organs in a much shorter amount of time as previously shown.

A study in the scientific journal Controlled Release, sheds some further insight into this phenomenon  In fact, researchers found that, over time, nanoparticle injections do lead to inordinate accumulation in the ovaries:

"Several nanocarrier systems are frequently used in modern pharmaceutical therapies. Within this study a potential toxicity risk of all nanoscaled drug delivery systems was found. An accumulation of several structurally different nanocarriers but not of soluble polymers was detected in rodent ovaries after intravenous (i.v.) administration. Studies in different mouse species and Wistar rats were conducted and a high local accumulation of nanoparticles, nanocapsules and nanoemulsions in specific locations of the ovaries was found in all animals” (10).

Furthermore, these researchers issued a warning that interventions utilizing nano-technology for drug/ vaccine delivery should not be approved for use on females before results of long-term studies could be analyzed:

"The findings of this study emphasise[sic] the role of early and comprehensive in vivo studies in pharmaceutical research” (ibid).

Having established the fact of: #1) the potential for systemic spread of mRNA vaccines; and, #2) the ovaries may receive a disproportionate amount of the payload, the next important question would be: what effect do the lipid nanoparticles and spike protein mRNA have on the ovaries (and, for that matter, other tissues as well)?

First of all, lipid nanoparticles themselves show ability to disrupt cellular integrity by triggering inflammation: 

“Here we show that the LNPs used for many preclinical studies are highly inflammatory” (4).

Secondly, the actual transfection of affected cells could have consequences leading to tissue destruction:

“[After transfection of a cell with Spike Protein mRNA] the resulting translated protein could be presented on MHC-I in the form of peptides or displayed as a whole protein in the cell membrane. In both cases, cells with the vaccine peptide/protein on their surfaces could be targeted and killed by cells of the adaptive and innate immune system” (ibid).

In other words, every cell that is “transfected” by the Covid-19 spike protein-producing mRNA would be a potential target for immune-mediated cellular destruction. Additional vaccine boosters would increase this risk dramatically, as well as prior Covid-19 infection, due to the fact that antibodies and immune memory against the spike protein would intensify the attack on cells expressing this whole protein or subsequent segments in MHC-1.

Additional risks could potentially stem from this physiologic phenomenon: initiation of autoimmune disease, immune cell programming issues dealing with self-recognition, stem cell abnormalities, spontaneous abortion of pre uterine-implanted embryos, and many more.

Furthermore, organs and tissues not normally at risk by an actual SARS-CoV-2 viral infection could be put in harms way. Whereas the latter needs certain receptors to infect a cell (ACE II) lipid nanoparticles could potentially be absorbed into almost any cell in the body (5, 11).

The implications of this happening on a population-wide scale are extremely troubling. To make matters worse, there are currently no studies showing the confounding effect of other variables: such as physiologic factors affecting pharmacokinetics of the vaccine. For one, the massive population based public health measures such as the hypercapnia (elevated CO2) associated with prolonged occlusive masking (12). Studies indicate that the corresponding effect upon a compound known as NADPH oxidase could decrease the oxidation of LNP’s, in this case ALC-0315, the lipid encasing the spike protein mRNA- potentially slowing excretion/ elimination and increasing systemic spread (13, 14).

Another factor would be increased vascularity occurring at the injection site (deltoid muscle) among athletes that would greatly increase systemic spread (15). This phenomenon could be part of the underlying basis for the increase risk of myocarditis seen among healthy athletic individuals following vaccination (16).

Although much is still to be ascertained regarding the potential long term side effects of these novel mRNA vaccines, two things are certain: #1) the shot does not simply stay in the arm (although we still don't know exactly how it translocates to distal organs and tissues or what damage it causes during this process); and #2) the inherent inflammatory and immune-mediated cytotoxicity give a number of additional reasons to be concerned. Can you really blame me for being Covid-19 "vaccine hesitant?"
​
Healthy Regards,

Ron Meinhardt
Executive Director
Entering Wedge Media
www.enteringwedgemedia.com

P.S.If you havent already seen our eye-opening COVID-19 interview with Dr Jim Meehan click here to watch and share!



References:

1) https://www.pmda.go.jp/drugs/2021/P20210212001/672212000_30300AMX00231_I100_1.pdf

2) Hajj KA, Melamed JR, Chaudhary N, Lamson NG, Ball RL, Yerneni SS, Whitehead KA. A Potent Branched-Tail Lipid Nanoparticle Enables Multiplexed mRNA Delivery and Gene Editing In Vivo. Nano Lett. 2020 Jul 8;20(7):5167-5175. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c00596. Epub 2020 Jun 9. PMID: 32496069; PMCID: PMC7781386.

3) Bahl K, Senn JJ, Yuzhakov O, Bulychev A, Brito LA, Hassett KJ, Laska ME, Smith M, Almarsson Ö, Thompson J, Ribeiro AM, Watson M, Zaks T, Ciaramella G. Preclinical and Clinical Demonstration of Immunogenicity by mRNA Vaccines against H10N8 and H7N9 Influenza Viruses. Mol Ther. 2017 Jun 7;25(6):1316-1327. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.03.035. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28457665; PMCID: PMC5475249.

4) Ndeupen S, Qin Z, Jacobsen S, Estanbouli H, Bouteau A, Igyártó BZ. The mRNA-LNP platform's lipid nanoparticle component used in preclinical vaccine studies is highly inflammatory. Preprint. bioRxiv. 2021;2021.03.04.430128. Published 2021 Jul 23. doi:10.1101/2021.03.04.430128

5) Ryan Cross (2021). "Without These Lipid Shells, There Would Be No mRNA Vaccines for COVID-19". Chemical & Engineering News: 16–19. doi:10.47287/cen-09908-feature1. 

6) Katiyar, N., Raju, G., Madhusudanan, P. et al.Neuronal delivery of nanoparticles via nerve fibres in the skin.Sci Rep11, 2566 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81995-x

7) Ahmad E, Feng Y, Qi J, Fan W, Ma Y, He H, Xia F, Dong X, Zhao W, Lu Y, Wu W. Evidence of nose-to-brain delivery of nanoemulsions: cargoes but not vehicles. Nanoscale. 2017 Jan 19;9(3):1174-1183. doi: 10.1039/c6nr07581a. PMID: 28009915.

8) Mistry A, Stolnik S, Illum L. Nanoparticles for direct nose-to-brain delivery of drugs. Int J Pharm. 2009 Sep 8;379(1):146-57. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.06.019. Epub 2009 Jun 23. PMID: 19555750.

9) Suk JS, Xu Q, Kim N, Hanes J, Ensign LM. PEGylation as a strategy for improving nanoparticle-based drug and gene delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2016;99(Pt A):28-51. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2015.09.012

10) Andreas Schädlich, Stefan Hoffmann, Thomas Mueller, Henrike Caysa, Cornelia Rose, Achim Göpferich, Jun Li, Judith Kuntsche, Karsten Mäder, Accumulation of nanocarriers in the ovary: A neglected toxicity risk?, Journal of Controlled Release, Volume 160, Issue 1, 2012, Pages 105-112, ISSN 0168-3659

11) Liu M, Wang T, Zhou Y, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Li J. Potential Role of ACE2 in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention and Management. J Transl Int Med. 2020 May 9;8(1):9-19. doi: 10.2478/jtim-2020-0003. PMID: 32435607; PMCID: PMC7227161.

12) Roberge RJ, Coca A, Williams WJ, Powell JB, Palmiero AJ. Physiological impact of the N95 filtering facepiece respirator on healthcare workers. Respir Care. 2010 May;55(5):569-77. PMID: 20420727.

13) Kogan AKh, Grachev SV, Eliseeva SV, Bolevich S. Uglekislyĭ gaz--universal'nyĭ ingibitor generatsii aktivnykh form kisloroda kletkami (k rasshifrovke odnoĭ zagadki évoliutsii) [Carbon dioxide--a universal inhibitor of the generation of active oxygen forms by cells (deciphering one enigma of evolution)]. Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol. 1997 Mar-Apr;(2):204-17. Russian. PMID: 9190222.

14) Vlasova II, Kapralov AA, Michael ZP, Burkert SC, Shurin MR, Star A, Shvedova AA, Kagan VE. Enzymatic oxidative biodegradation of nanoparticles: Mechanisms, significance and applications. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2016 May 15;299:58-69. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.01.002. Epub 2016 Jan 6. PMID: 26768553; PMCID: PMC4811710.

15)  Jensen L, Bangsbo J, Hellsten Y. Effect of high intensity training on capillarization and presence of angiogenic factors in human skeletal muscle. J Physiol. 2004 Jun 1;557(Pt 2):571-82. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2003.057711. Epub 2004 Mar 12. PMID: 15020701; PMCID: PMC1665084.

16) Hudson B, Mantooth R, DeLaney M. Myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination for COVID-19. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2021 Jul 26;2(4):e12498. doi: 10.1002/emp2.12498. PMID: 34337595; PMCID: PMC8313036.

A growing body of evidence suggests that the COVID-19 spike protein (and therefore the vaccine) is neurotoxic. Furthermore, it is possible that the synthetic mRNA sequence itself could trigger an autoimmune attack upon the neurons.  A number of individuals have asked “how can I reduce neuroinflammation and stimulate brain cell repair and regrowth?” I will definitely address this concern. But first, some have suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine serum doesn’t leave the injection site... That it somehow stays in the muscle (and thus only muscle tissue and regional lymphatic vessels are effected). However, this is based upon a strange assumption. For decades medical science has known that drugs given via this route (IM)  find their way into the bloodstream. Indeed, studies looking at the specific type of solution (lipid encapsulated mRNA) have shown systemic diffusion:

“Given this innovative vaccine platform, we examined the bio-distribution of the mRNA vaccines for both routes of administration. Male CD-1 mice received 6mg formulated H10 mRNA either IM or ID. Following IM administration, the maximum concentration (Cmax) of the injection site muscle was 5,680 ng/mL, and the level declined with an estimated t1/2 of 18.8 hr (Table 1). Proximal lymph nodes had the second highest concentration at 2,120 ng/mL (tmax of 8 hr with a relatively long t1/2 of 25.4 hr), suggesting that H10 mRNA distributes from the injection site to systemic circulation through the lymphatic system. The spleen and liver had a mean Cmaxof86.9 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC]0–264of 2,270 ng.hr/mL)and 47.2 ng/mL (AUC0–264of 276 ng.hr/mL), respectively. In the remaining tissues and plasma, H10 mRNA was found at 100- to1,000-fold lower levels.” (Mol Ther. 2017 Jun 7;25(6):1316-1327. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.03.035. Epub 2017 Apr 27.)

“IM injections yielded expression at the injection site (68%), liver (12%), and kidneys (11%). " (Nano Lett. 2020 Jul 8;20(7):5167-5175. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c00596. Epub 2020 Jun 9.)

“When mRNA-LNPs were injected intramuscularly and intratracheally, similar to intravenous and intraperitoneal deliveries, a large portion of the luciferase activity was detectable in the liver, demonstrating systemic spread of the nanoparticles. Also similar to intravenous and intraperitoneal deliveries, the high levels of protein produced in the liver occurred over a short duration with the majority of translation ceasing at day 2 post-injection (Fig. 2). Interestingly, significant bioluminescent signal could be measured in the lungs and muscles, as well, with the latter lasting for up to 8 days post injection.” (J Control Release. 2015 Nov 10;217:345-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.007. Epub 2015 Aug 8.)

Of additional concern, the standard of administration (both by manufacturers and public health entities) does not include aspiration of the syringe (to determine if the needle has entered a blood vessel) before administering the injection. If the injection is properly placed, this is a rare occurance. However it could lead to greater systemic spread if injected directly into the bloodstream.

This summary of above findings were aggregated by a respondent (see comments section) to the following article: https://blogs.sciencemag.org/pipeline/archives/2021/01/11/rna-vaccines-and-their-lipids (a good discussion of both sides of the question are found here).

Furthermore, as Dr Jim Meehan, MD, discussed in his "Emergency Declaration" email:

"Introduction of spike proteins to in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) showed significant changes to barrier properties. Key to our findings is the demonstration that S1 promotes loss of barrier integrity in an advanced 3D microfluidic model of the human BBB, a platform that more closely resembles the physiological conditions at this CNS interface. Evidence provided suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins trigger a pro-inflammatory response on brain endothelial cells that may contribute to an altered state of BBB function. Together, these results are the first to show the direct impact that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein could have on brain endothelial cells; thereby offering a plausible explanation for the neurological consequences seen in COVID-19 patients."

These facts taken together would indicate that a second follow-up dose of these mRNA vaccines would potentially cause even more neurological risk due to the initial shot compromising the Blood Brain Barrier, thus allowing much more mRNA to cross into the nervous tissue and bring about the MHC-Spike Protein tagging in effected cells.

Why is this significant? As I reported previously:

"according to my research, producing the Covid-19 spike protein as a “self” protein means it is eventually encoded into the outer cell membrane (as MHC-I molecules). These tell T-cells to attack and destroy upon discovery… And it may take time for this to occur and symptoms to manifest. I saw a comment recently in a scientific forum that we will see an epidemic of ALS and MS if the mRNA gets past the blood brain barrier. At the very least disorder of hypothalamic function. Also that the mRNA can diffuse into the organ parenchyma (unlike COVID-19 itself) thus setting up for organ-specific autoimmune disease."

So if you haven’t taken the second dose… Pray about it and make an informed decision. Remember that your health is your responsibility. According to a Olga, T Jonas, a Senior Advisor to the World Bank, many will fall for the “myth" that “Health authorities will protect us from pandemics”
(http://www.worldbank.org/content/dam/Worldbank/document/HDN/Health/WDR14_bp_Pandemic_Risk_Jonas.pdf).

Furthermore, we have but to look to the past to realize that governmental entities are not infallible in terms of public health intervention during pandemics. In the 1918 Avian Influenza Pandemic the US government reportedly “badly mishandled the epidemic,” “control[led] public perception” with domestic propaganda with restrictions on freedoms of speech (enforced by the threat of lengthy incarceration), and the telling of “half-truths or outright lies.” Furthermore, this propaganda found a welcome abode with the free press  “which although not censored in a technical sense cooperated fully with the government’s propaganda machine.” -Institute of Medicine. 2005. The Threat of Pandemic Influenza: Are We Ready? Workshop Summary. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11150.

And lastly, here are a few things that I would do myself if I desired to reduce neuroinflammation: (disclaimer: this is not intended as doctor-client personalized medical advice)

1) Trust that God is able to heal any disease or health condition if it is His will to do so (Matthew 9:35).

2) Establish a regular early bedtime (this is when the brain heals itself) maximizing delta wave and REM sleep stages. Please watch my YouTube video on this subject: https://youtu.be/0GJjGJnf9gY. This video is an important starting place as deep sleep (delta wave sleep) is when the brain actually heals. Many people with neuroinflammation or degenerative brain diseases are deficient in this type of sleep.

3) Sometimes prescription drugs are used to increase alter neurotransmitter levels than may be contributing to the cognitive disturbance (especially “acetylcholinesterase inhibitors”). Due to the side effects of the pharmacologic acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, I would personally go for the natural alternatives. 

     a)                   Lemon peel essential oil, in small doses, was just as effective as the pharmaceutical prostigmine (an acetylcholenstease inhibitor)  J Oleo Sci. 2014;63(4):373-81. I would cut an organic lemon into small slices and eat at least one slice of lemon peel, organic, per day. Or I might take a couple drops of lemon essential oil (food grade) and drink with a small glass of lemonade :) Yum!

     b)                   Sage essential oil has also shown potential in this area. However one study revealed “there is a major synergistic effect among the constituents.” This would indicate that the components of the whole oil work together to bring about the acetylcholinesterase inhibition. (2a) J Pharm Pharmacol. 2000 Jul;52(7):895-902. Sage oil could be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut and rubbed onto the hands and feet, the skin’s most porous areas, to be absorbed into the circulation.

     c)                    Alpha and Beta Pinene (found in abundance in many evergreen essential oils- especially pine scotch and rosemary essential oil) have been shown to very effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and therapeutically block the action of acetylcholesterase. (3a) Nat Prod Res. 2015 Feb;29(3):213-22. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2014.942305. I would use these oils as inhalants (using an ultrasonic vaporizer). 

4) Go on an antiviral/ and possibly even a mild anticancer regimen. Both viral infection and cancer can lead to neuroinflammation. This occurrence (viral cause) may be more common than we would think. Aside from Covid-19 infection, many viruses can have neurological side effects. For instance, West Nile virus has been shown to cause low grade encephalitis and is commonly carried by mosquitos in North America. Also, even a low grade varicella (chicken pox or shingles) infection can cause localized neuroinflammation. The use of the pine essential oil as inhalant is potentially a huge boost to the efforts here. Also, I would take oregano oil (comes in capsules if you do not appreciate the burning sensation of swallowing this prediluted essential oil blend). Carvacrol, the active component in this oil is amazing in it’s ability to fight many types of viral threats. I would also consider using elderberry extract daily. 

5) Go gluten-free. I know this sounds difficult, but if you actually have a gluten sensitivity and you are eating gluten you will potentially develop neurodegeneration that could lead to cognitive impairment. As a trial, a couple weeks of a GF diet should bring some improvement. Here is the study that references this possibility: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002 May; 72(5): 560–563.

6) Use turmeric and honey mixture daily to reduce neuroinflammation.Studies have shown this amazing root may significantly reduce inflammation. Turmeric's active compounds block production of two of the bodies' inflammatory substances: prostaglandin E2 and leukotrienes. For best absorbency of the active compounds in this root, I combine 1 tsp turmeric powder with 1 tsp honey, form a paste and chew thoroughly (30 sec to 1 min) before meals. I know a turmeric capsule would be easier but you actually absorb any food better if it is mixed well with saliva. Furthermore, studies reveal absorption of the anti-inflammatory compounds begin in the mouth. Clin Cancer Res. 2011 Sep 15;17(18):5953-61. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-11-1272.
Using a sweetener (honey in this mixture) helps to open channels in the blood brain barrier allowing for increased uptake of anti-inflammatory curcumin compounds.
I like to make a paste with 1 tsp liquid sunflower lecithin, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp honey. Mixture should be chewed thoroughly to increase absorbency of active ingredients. This provides a potent blend of anti-inflammatory action along with building blocks for encouraging brain recovery. 

7) Heal the gut (endotoxins such as Lipopolysaccarides (LPS) can easily cause cognitive impairment). See my 4-part series on this subject here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfIlATsifEc

8) Detoxify the blood. Chlorella is a potent eliminator of heavy metals, like mercury, that can cause issues with nervous function. The chlorella can be taken with water or just simply chewed as well (in tablet form). 

9) Engage in a regular (daily) moderate exercise regimen - studies have shown this increases blood flow to the hippocampus (memory center of the brain) and long term benefits include an increase in actual size and capacity of the hippocampus. This would indicate an enhancement in memory function. Walking is a good option. 

10) Last, but not least, get more Oxytocin (the Love hormone). Studies looking at nasal administration of oxytocin showed a reduction in apathy among individuals with dementia. However, we have a natural source of this amazing compound: loving, trusting relationships. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2017 Jan;7(1):48-53. doi: 10.1177/2045125316672574.

Regards,
Ron

OK. So this is not a topic you really want to bring up at the dinner table, but although not as common as in developing countries, many Americans have worms (and not just in their backyard). Good news is there are some really amazing natural remedies that fight these unwelcomed “after-dinner guests.” For instance, both raw pumpkin and papaya seeds have been found to fight both larger “worms” and even smaller blood-born parasites. Here is some insightful information from few studies:
 
“The time of [worm] paralysis was 1.88±0.52 minute and 1.93 ±0.57 minute whereas the time of [worm] death was 3.45 ±0.17 minute and 4.90±0.18 minute in the case of Carica papaya (papaya seeds) and Cucurbita (pumpkin seeds) maxima respectively” (1).
 
Furthermore, phyto-chemicals known as cucurbitacins (found in both pumpkin and squash seeds) have been found to fight Plasmodium berghei-simulated malaria infection in animals by shutting down the parasite’s inter-cellular development (2).
 
What does this mean? That active compounds in these edible seeds can potentially paralyze, inhibit the growth, and actually destroy intestinal/ blood-born parasites! Amazing!
 
Not afraid of worms? Pumpkin seeds and oil have shown good effect on reducing an enlarged prostate gland (3). Don’t have a prostate? Even on a general note… these seeds are nutrient powerhouses! Enjoy!

We are days away from releasing our "The Gut/ Brain Connection & Beyond" video series to YouTube (for a limited time) and DVD. Click here to order your copy today!
 
1) Sengupta Rupa et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 4(4), Jul–Aug 2013
2) Bioorg Med Chem. 2011 Dec 15;19(24):7474-81.
3) Urol Int. 2015;94(3):286-95.

According to a number of studies, this amazing probiotic bacteria may help to decrease issues with permeability of the large intestine (leaky gut) and dramatically reduce gas/bloating (1,2). Found in the saliva of healthy individuals, and primarily sourced from plant foods, this organism produces a substantial amount of lactate and cobalamin (vitamin B-12), both of which are known to be neuroprotective agents (3,4,5). Furthermore, when passing through the small intestine, L. plantarum has also been found to cause immune cells to secrete an anti-cancer and anti-viral substance known as interferon, an added bonus (6)!

1) J Nutr Biochem. 2017 Mar;41:20-24.
2) Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 May;95(5):1231-8.
3) Oral Dis. 2000 Jul;6(4):227-33.
4) Biotechnol Lett. 2010 Apr;32(4):503-6.
5) Brain Res. 2002 Feb 22;928(1-2):156-9.
6) Int Immunopharmacol. 2011 Dec;11(12):2017-24. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.08.013. Epub 2011 Sep 3.

Overnight Cabbage Salad (high in L. plantarum):
Lactobacillus plantarum is found NATURALLY growing on CABBAGE and other edible plants. However, ordinary sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) has the potential for some undesirable bacterial and fungal growth and subsequent toxic by-product contamination. Here’s how to make a better probiotic food using cabbage:

Ingredients:
Shredded Cabbage (1 Cup)
Purified Water (chlorine in tap water will kill the bacteria) (2 Cups)
Salt (½ tsp)
Honey (½ tsp)
Lemon Juice (1/4 cup) (VERY IMPORTANT as it will prevent heterofermenting bacteria from taking the lead in growth leading to alcohol and eventually vinegar production - more info available on this subject in our Gut/ Brain Connection & Beyond DVD series)

Combine all ingredients in 2 quart mason jar with lid. Shake well and let sit out in room temperature. May use within 12 hours but should refrigerate after 24 hours to slow bacterial growth and reduce potential for production of unwanted by-products. Enjoy!

Approximately one out of every three, or 67 million, American adults have high blood pressure (1). The astounding aspect about these numbers are that high blood pressure is largely preventable... and reversible! Could it be that we need a little more knowledge regarding the cause of this dangerous condition? Well... here it is...

Know Thyself - Anatomy and Physiology of the Circulatory System (in brief):
The circulatory system, consisting of the heart and blood vessels, is responsible for the distribution of blood and its necessary components to bodily tissues. Blood consists of water (83%), red blood cells, immune cells (also known as white blood cells), nutrients, dissolved gases, hormones, and waste products. The most important nutrient, being oxygen, is transported by the red blood cells. The body's waste gas, carbon dioxide, is scavenged by these cells and taken back to the oxygen rich environment in the vessels of the lungs. It is here that gas exchange occurs: carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. The heart is the "middle man" in this process as it acts as a pump from the body's vessels to the lungs while simultaneously pumping blood received from the lungs back to the body.

From the heart the blood flows through the aorta (the largest artery in the body) through smaller branching arteries, then into smaller vessels known as arterioles, and then into the vast network of microscopic blood vessels known as capillaries (60,000 miles to be exact). It is in these tiny vessels that the blood actually delivers its gas/nutrient payload to the cells. Interestingly, the entire network of capillaries are capable of holding 4-5L of blood if all were opened at the same time. but because an average individuals total blood volume is only approximately 5L, only about 5% of the blood is actually found in capillaries at any given time. Therefore, to ensure adequate pressure in the high pressure arteries and adequate blood return to the heart in the low pressure veins, capillary beds or networks are systematically opened and closed, depending on need.   

The amazing task of pressure regulation is accomplished by a complex interaction of nerves in the heart and blood vessels (baroreceptors), the kidneys, and the brain as well as hormonal influences by organs such as the adrenal glands, lungs, liver, and pituitary gland. Numerous stimuli can act as vasodilators, which cause the smooth muscle in the blood vessel lining to relax. This relaxation effect decreases blood pressure due to the vessels expansion. In turn, the constriction of blood vessels can be accomplished by the actions of vasoconstrictors. See the list below for more information:

Common Vasodilators - heat, high levels of carbon dioxide, Nitric Oxide (NO), Adenosine, bradykinin (associated with trauma), potassium ions, etc.

Common Vasoconstrictors - cold, high levels of oxygen, adrenaline, insulin, antidiuretic hormone (a hormone produced by the kidneys), angiotension II (resulting from renin secretion by the kidneys), calcium ions, etc.

Symptoms of Hypertension: High Blood Pressure is known as the "silent killer" due to it's oft lack of distinguishing symptoms. However, some individuals notice headaches, dizziness, bounding heartbeat (can be felt as pulsations in chest, neck or ears), and vision changes due to increased blood pressure.

Common Causes of Hypertension: Stress, lack of rest, diet, and dehydration are all common causes of high blood pressure.

STRESS: Continual exposure to stressors with corresponding mental anxiety leads to stress-induced hypertension. This is why: the autonomic nervous system's sympathetic nervous response, which is activated during periods of stress, restricts blood flow to digestive organs, and prepares the body for intense physical exercise ("flight or fight"). Unless you do plan to exercise, this physiologic response does not contribute to good blood pressure regulation.

LACK OF REST: Poor sleep has a number of detrimental effects on blood pressure. Some people with hypertension have reduced their systolic blood pressure by as much as 40mmHg just by going to sleep!

DIET: One of the most powerful antihypertensive agents are plant-based foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in phytonutrients (especially antioxidants) which help to limit the damage done to the Nitric Oxide (NO) compounds in the blood vessels responsible for vasodilation. Diets low in antioxidants have the reverse effect, causing a condition clinically known as post-prandial hypertension (after-meal high blood pressure).

DEHYDRATION: Our bodies are 70% water by volume. When the kidneys sense a drop in blood volume due to dehydration they secrete anti-diuretic hormone (decreases urine production) and initiate a hormonal process known as the renin-angiotension-aldosterone response. This response constricts the blood vessels in the extremities (arms and legs) and limits the further loss of water through the urine. The result is that blood pressure is elevated but the purifying work of the kidneys is limited. A high salt diet compounds this problem by bringing more of the body's water into the bloodstream via osmosis and, thus, further elevating the blood pressure.

Treatment:
It has been said that "the cure is in the cause." Thus, eliminating the causative agency will often, in time, normalize the blood pressure.

(1) CDC. Vital signs: awareness and treatment of uncontrolled hypertension among adults—United States, 2003–2010. MMWR. 2012;61(35):703–9.

Nutritional yeast is actually not a natural source of B-12. There are a lot of people who are confused about this fact. Some nutritional yeast is fortified, but with an inferior form of the vitamin (cyanocobalamin). A better B-12 supplement is a methylcobalamin variety such as: Jarrow Formulas Methylcobalamin (Methyl B12), 5000mcg, 60 Lozenges (available fairly inexpensively at Amazon.com).
These supplements can even be whole foods based: some studies report that dried green and purple "lavers" (a.k.a. "nori") & chlorella (edible algea) are potent sources of biologically functional B-12 (1).

An important consideration with B-12: it needs to be chewed and well mixed with saliva to be absorbed when it passes through the digestive system (salivary r-proteins adhere to and protect cobalamin compounds from HCL induced degradation). B-12 is naturally produced by bacteria (this is where animals get it). We do get some B-12 from our saliva because we naturally have small amounts of bacteria present in the mouth. This is, however, a very small amount of B-12 potential. The fact that diary and meat products are high in B-12 reveals a significant inherent bacterial contamination. A better source of bacteria for human consumption is that found growing on raw fruits and vegetables - especially broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, etc., because these vegetables have crevices for the healthy bacteria to congregate (2,3). Also, you would want to avoid over-washing your fresh fruits and vegetables (you can easily wash away most of these healthy bacteria). The bonus with getting your B-12 from plant based sources is that these bacteria are non-pathogenic to humans (unlike bacteria that feed on dead animal tissue) and could also be termed “probiotics."

Dr. Diane Burnett, a physician specializing in lifestyle medicine, related that when her patients would test low on B-12 she would put them on a raw diet for a week or so. She said that it was often amazing how much their levels improved! I take a B-12 supplement every now and then but I also try to have some raw food component in each meal. Even with these raw foods, the B-12 contained therein will only be absorbed if it is thoroughly chewed (and mixed with the saliva in the mouth).

1) J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2002 Oct;48(5):325-31.
2) Biotechnol Lett. 2010 Apr;32(4):503-6.
3) Food Microbiol. 2012 Aug;31(1):116-25.