"Say it isn't so girls!" Our beloved shapewear, and yes that includes Spanx, could be bad for our bodies. What? Yep, doctors are now claiming that our bulge-fighting underwear is damaging our internal organs.  Shapewear may be worse than having the bulge and fat rolls! In order to work shapewear has to be tight. It's because of that tightness, it leaves your stomach, intestine and colon compressed, and this is what makes doctors so concerned.

According to HuffingtonPost.com, gastroenterologist Dr. John Kuemmerle and others believe shapewear can cause acid reflux and heartburn that can lead to erosion of the esophagus. Also the bowels could be damaged because of the blockage of flow, which could  lead to incontinence.

Chiropractor Dr. Erickson, cautions that sitting in shapewear to long could cause nerves to be compressed and cause tingling, numbness and even pain.

You get the picture. So what do we do? Here are some ways to minimize risks and more when wearing our beloved Spanx:

  • Pick the right style and size for your body. That means shapewear that fits and not too small, or cuts in anywhere. You need to breath girls!
  • Watch shapewear that goes up top to your bra line, it's not good for those who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn.
  • Shapewear should be easy to get into. If you have to get a team together just to help you get it on, then hello, don't wear it!
  • Try not to wear shapewear for long periods of time. Give your bodies a break.
  • Lastly, try on different makes and fabrics.

Remember the shapewear is there to help things needs to smooth, not hold you in like a sausage.

Another hallmark of shapewear? Shallow breath. When you inhale, your diaphragm expands and your abdomen flares out, Dr. Erickson says, but shapewear restricts this movement and decreases the excursion in respiration.

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