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!

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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!