Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (UK sp. haemorrhoids) are a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum become swollen and inflamed, typically causing extreme discomfort. Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining to move stool, or sometimes by pregnancy, liver decease, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse. Eating a healthy diet with reasonable amounts of fiber and a good exercise reduces the risk of hemorrhoids. There should be enough fiber to avoid constipation but not so much that there is a risk of diarrhea.
Despite their discomfort, replica hemorrhoids have sometimes been used as lucky gold charms known as ormerods.
Hemorrhoids in the Bible
The Israelites are threatened with hemorrhoids, as a curse for disobedience,
The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed. Deuteronomy 28:27 (KJV)
and a plague of hemorrhoids is inflicted upon the Philistines after their capture of the Ark of the Covenant. (1 Samuel, 5-6)
