And boy can they be embarrassing!

No one wants to go to their doctor and talk about it! But they occur quite frequently in adults, so much in fact that it is believed that over half of adults over the age of 50 have hemorrhoids. There is even a rumor that hemorrhoids are what caused the strong and mighty Napoleon to sit side saddle... well, that somehow makes it better, right?

Familial tendencies, straining during a bowel movement, diet, obesity, pregnancy, postponing bowel movements, prolonged sitting, lack of exercise, constipation, repeated heavy lifting or even sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time can all contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

Let's look at a few of these more closely.

Constipation and the straining that usually accompanies this malady is a frequent primary cause of hemorrhoids. When the hard, dry constipated stools are passed, they often require excessive straining and pressure in order to successfully expel the stool from the body.

This straining can tear the delicate lining of internal and external hemorrhoids causing bleeding and pain.

It can also cause hemorrhoids to worsen because of the excessive pressure of straining. Constipation also causes additional weight in the colon from the retained stool. This extra weight can cause extra pressure on the veins of the anus and rectum causing the enlargement of these veins which results in hemorrhoids.

Diet is also a primary cause of the development of hemorrhoids, particularly the absence of a fiber rich diet. Found more so in Western culture, hemorrhoids related to dietary issues are thought to occur because of minimal amounts of natural grains, plant fibers and roughage found in this diet. Instead a Western styled diet is heavy in sugar, animal protein, refined flour, and fiber-depleted carbohydrates all of which lack the fiber necessary to produce soft formed and consistently regular stools.

Yes, there are many causes of hemorrhoids, but the good news is that most can be easily controlled by changing your habits.

For example, if you follow a typical Western diet, then consider changing that habit and following one that is more fiber rich.

If you live a sedentary lifestyle then consider changing that habit as well. Begin to exercise... it's good for you on so many levels!

Hemorrhoids can be managed and you will feel better for it!