To hear some authors and historians proclaim it, an awful pain, doctors cite to as " hemorrhoids ", has had chief impacts on history. According to Author Phil Mason, in his book " Napoleon ' s Hemorrhoids " it was this painful disease that kept Napoleon off his horse at the battle of Waterloo. The rest is history, as they say. Other sources indicate that Napoleon was so groggy, I guess a nineteenth century talk for " high ", from the medication for his hemorrhoids, he was unable to function, much less ride a horse.
Anyone who has experienced the rack and discomfort of hemorrhoids will no waver worldliness bond with aged Bonaparte.
All told, the impact of " piles " or " hemorrhoids " in history, dates back much further than the battle of Waterloo according to this passage from the Bible Book of 1st Samuel Chapter 5 Verse 6 " And the hand of Jehovah came to be heavy upon the Ash ' dod, and he began causing panic and striking them with piles, namely, Ash ' dod and its territories... "
One can flip how such a plague or sickness could be a very effective weapon when you consider that hemorrhoids are, often painful, swellings of the veins in the lower end of the large bowel or rectum. These swellings can be, either inside the bowel, or at the anal opening which if ruptured, can be very painful and cause bleeding.
As you might guess, there are many ideas as to the cause, including poor diet, sedentary occupations, or constipation and straining when having bowel movements. Medical research is also looking at possible relationships between hemorrhoids and a slew of other ailments, including heart problems.
Even Hippocrates, considered to be the father of modern medicine, said of such occurrences in the patient, as " hemorrhoids " was something that warranted investigation as to its significance.
The impact of hemorrhoids on world history is fascinating and for any who have experienced the pain they can cause, quite understandable. Today, many in the medical community are said to ascribe to the " an ounce of prevention, pound of cure " as the best way avoid the pain of this very personal medical problem.
The search for remedies goes on and many of them seem to zero in on poor diet as a key target to providing relief and finding a cure. For that matter, this search of a cure for hemorrhoids and the connection to the diet has been traced as far back as ancient Egypt and more recently, the suspected recuperative powers of chicken soup lead 12th Century Jewish Philosopher, and Physician Maimonides to prescribe it for patients who suffered from hemorrhoids.
A deficiency of fiber has also gained the attention of many doctors. In fact, the Harvard University Medical International Journal does cite " lack of fiber " as one culprit. Many agree, but also feel there are more factors that seem to be playing a role.
What appears to be a relentless search for treatment and a cure for hemorrhoids carries on. If you have experienced the pain and discomfort caused by this disease, then you might try some prevention such as more exercise, some chicken soup from time to time and consider a plan to rid yourself of hemorrhoids through diet and exercise.
