With the confirmation that Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a number of people have been searching for associations between smoking, coffee and pancreatic cancer.

In my original post, I listed some of the risk factors associated with Cancer of the Pancreas.

Smoking is included in that list, although I hadn’t included coffee.

The New England Journal Of Medicine records a study in which an association is made.

Smoking can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by as much as 75% according to figures that I have seen.

Other risk factors such as age, gender and ethnicity are things that people can’t do much about…

The obvious course of action would be to stop smoking, live a healthy lifestyle, and consume a healthy diet.

Excess consumption of alcohol may also be a risk factor.

Pancreatic pain tends to vary in nature, from gnawing, stabbing or aching to burning. It tends to be constant.

More information about pancreatitis, and diseases of the pancreas can be found here!

This Information Is General In Nature

It is intended as a guide only, and should not be used in the diagnosis of any ailment. Self diagnosis is dangerous.

If you have any questions regarding this, or any other condition, you should consult your health professional!

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) also known as fish odor syndrome or fish malodor syndrome, is a genetic condition that affects the production of the enzyme Flavin (FMO3).

When FMO3 is not working, the body has trouble breaking down Trimethylamine, a product of the decomposition of plant and animal matter.

Trimethylamine is ingested as part of the diet, and is the substance mainly responsible for the odor associated with fouling fish, bacterial vagina infections, and bad breath.

It is also associated with taking large doses of choline (an organic compound grouped within the vitamin B complex) and carnitine (an amino acid used by the body to digest and dispose of fat).

When trimethylamine isn’t broken down properly, it builds up and is excreted through sweat glands and the urinary tract.

People with the condition usually suffer from fishy body odors, and this can be socially debilitating.

While there are currently no known cures for the condition, the following can help to reduce symptoms:

• Avoiding foods such as eggs, legumes, certain meats, fish, and foods that contain choline, nitrogen, and sulfur.
• Taking low doses of antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria in the stomach.
• Using soaps with a moderate pH, between 5.5 and 6.5.

Some people have reported that drinking extra water, going on a liver cleansing diet and using charcoal tablets can help.

At this time I haven’t found any data or test results that back this up.

Soap and Ph Levels

Because human skin has a ph level of 5.5, it’s recommended that soaps and cleansers be as close as possible to that level.

Soap contains lye, which is an alkaline substance, and too much of it can damage your skin.

Litmus paper can give the exact ph level of soap.

Wikipedia References

Trimethylaminuria
Trimethylamine
Carnitine
Choline

Please Note:

This article is presented as a general guide only and follows a discussion with friends about the condition.

People with concerns about this illness should consult their health professional!

Self diagnosis can be dangerous, and any treatments should be discussed with your health professional before using them.

The Winter solstice occurs each year on 22 December, and is caused by the tilt of the earth’s axis of rotation.

December 22 is the shortest day of the year for people in the northern hemisphere, and the longest for those in the south.

The winter solstice occurs when the sun is directly over the tropic of Capricorn, about 23.5 degrees south of the equator.

A solstice occurs twice each year, once during summer, and once during winter.

Solstice comes from the latin words sol (meaning sun) and sitere (to stand still). Simply put, this is because at the time of the solstice, the sun shows very little movement to the north or the south.

The December solstice coincides with a number of religious festivals.

In ancient Rome, Saturnalia began as a feast day for Saturn and was celebrated for a week from December 17 – 23.

Christmas is celebrated by Christians on December 25. celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

During December, Jews celebrate the festival of Hanukkah, or the festival of Lights.