If you thought pumpkin seeds were all crunchy fun to nibble on, it’s time to plunge into the dark realm of nutrition reality. Why are we talking about pumpkins, you ask? Well, we're here to remind you that nothing’s too sacred in the world of health - not even your cherished pumpkin seeds! They do have their nutritional jazz going on – they're filled to the brim with necessary nutrients, from protein to magnesium, temptingly tasty in their roasted form, and even hold the promise of more vitamins and antioxidants when sprouted. For all this and more, you can thank the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and of course, the pumpkin gods.

Now, before you dive face-first into that bowl of seeds, remember the American Heart Association’s daunting advice - keep your sprouted pumpkin chomping to a quarter-cup (2 oz) serving to avoid feeling like you've swallowed a jack-o-lantern. And why is that? Let’s just say, there are sidesteps on the pumpkin path you'd love to avoid.

What could possibly go wrong with pumpkin seeds, you may wonder? Well, for one, they might declare war on your digestive system with a high-fiber assault. Sounds like fun, right? Too much fiber too soon might leave you scooting to the bathroom more often than you’d like, or leave your stomach bemoaning in discomfort. So, remember the Mayo Clinic's words of wisdom - gently ease high-fiber foods into your diet.

But what if you still find remnants of your noble pumpkin seeds in the porcelain throne? No need for alarm. It just means your body isn’t breaking down these high-fiber delights completely. If your tummy grumbles in protest, swallow an anti-gas pill or antacid, and stay hydrated. If conditions go south, consider medications like loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate.

Next on the horror list - food poisoning. No, pumpkin seeds don’t turn into tiny grim reapers, but they can harbor illness-causing bacteria like Salmonella or E. Coli in the sprouting process, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic. The Mayo Clinic adds - don’t trust your eyes, it’s impossible to spot the bad ones. Cook these bad boys to kill anything that might be lurking.

Now for a truly rare event. Allergic reactions to pumpkin seeds are about as common as spotting a unicorn. But just in case your body rejects these seeds with symptoms like itchiness or rash, or worse, trouble breathing, seek immediate medical help. Under mild circumstances, an antihistamine might bring relief but with severe reactions, make a beeline for an epinephrine auto-injector or a 911 call.

Lastly, if your love for these seeds makes you as sick as a Halloween hangover, a doctor’s visit might be called for. Don’t go insane on pumpkin seeds if they cause upset. Listen to your body's SOS signals.

In the grand Halloween scheme of things, pumpkin poisoning is a myth. Enjoy these nutritious munchies but remember, moderation is your best ally in your pursuit of health and a 'scare-free' diet.