Why Shapewear, Skinny Jeans, and Stilettos Will Be Our Demise

Many women-celebrities included-swear by shapewear like Spanx to look slimmer under their clothing. Kim Kardashian refers to them as her "best friend," Katy Perry flashes them proudly on stage, Claire Danes referred to herself as "a brand SPANX-ing new mom" while accepting a SAG Award in 2013, Rebecca Romijn said she wears "Spanx underneath almost everything," and Adele said "I had three or four pairs of Spanx on [at the 2012 Grammy Awards but I loved it." But is shape wear worth the pain? Huffington Post asked a gastroenterologist, a dermatologist, and a chiropractor who all answered with a resounding "no." Some say fashion is pain, forfeiting comfort for whittled waists, pushed-up boobs, sky-high stilettos, and trendy oversized handbags. The bad news: many of your wardrobe staples are potentially very hazardous for your health. Read on as a doctor and podiatrist confirm all your biggest fashion fears. If you need us, we'll be wearing sneakers and a muumuu.

More on Shine: Claire Danes Helps Fuel the SPANX Fetish at SAG

Shapewear
"Shapewear like Spanx are just a new take on a midevil torture device," says Ava Shamban, MD, Beverly Hills Dermatologist and author of "Heal Your Skin." They're so tight that can interfere with your digestion, give you acid reflux, and constipation. The compression can cause hemorrhoids and anal fissures, while bacteria in such a humid environment can create yeast overgrowth, and thus, infections. Shamban likened the pressure on your organs to that of a pregnant woman-when your abdomen is squeezed and blood can't return it puts too much pressure on the veins in your legs, creating varicose veins. Make sure your shapewear isn't too painful or constricting and limit your use.

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Tight pants
Aside from restricted movement, Shamban says you can potentially get sciatica from your skinny jeans. "The starting point is the big nerve bundle in the midpoint of your butt cheek. Put enough pressure there and you will get nerve tingling and damage that can last for a few days." If your pants are very tight there's also risk of vaginal infections.

Belts
Many of us have loosened our belt a notch after a big meal, but if you cinch your middle too night, that digging and discomfort means extra pressure on your small intestine and colon. You can look forward to stomach aches, constipation, and burping.

Bras
"Getting a proper bra fitting works wonders for your shape and your body," says Shamban. Get one with a band that's too tight and you're more prone to lung infection due to shallow breathing. Wear one with straps that dig into your shoulders and you can have nerve inflammation, pressure acne, and even psoriasis breakouts if you're prone to them. And just as some people with nickel or metal allergies are sensitive to costume jewelry, you can get that same sort of irritation from your bra's underwire.

Thong underwear
Forget the comfort debate. Unlike briefs or boy short, doctors agree that G-strings and thongs are accountable for increased urinary and vaginal infections. "Because a thong is right up next to the anus there's always some bacteria there and it's more likely to travel," says Shamban." To avoid any issues, she suggests opting for cotton thongs and using wet wipes after going to the bathroom.

Heavy handbags
All that junk you're lugging around in your purse isn't just a drag-it might be the source of your head, neck, and backaches. "A heavy thin strap can dig in and throw you off balance, affecting posture. Over years and years you can get scoliosis," says Shamban. "Messenger and crossbody bags are more comfortable and better for your body." Backpacks are also great for distributing weight more evenly. Though it's nice to be prepared for anything, try to remove any extra items in your bag that you don't absolutely need.

Heavy earrings
Though they're not bad for your health, Shamban warns that "any heavy earring that's tugging can elongate the holes, and make earlobes thin and floppy. They'll make you look old at 37." If your piercing holes get really large, you may not even be able to wear certain styles without them falling out. Aside from stretching out your earlobes permanently, weighty earrings

Scarves
"Anything that restricts your full range of motion can create issues," says Shamban. In addition to neck and back pains, you may experience muscle spasms and migraines.

High heels
"Humans were meant to walk on a sandy beach-like area or soft jungle grassy-like territory, not on solid concrete, hard wood floors, marble or asphalt," says Robert Khorramian, DPM, a Santa Monica-based podiatrist. "Extensive wear of high heels affects the toes and metatarsal area and destroys the fat pads under the metatarsal, while also causing nerve damage and arthritis in the toes." Add to that potential bunions, hammertoes, ankle sprains, and fractures, and you may want to keep heel-wearing to a minimum.

Flats
Thought you were safe in flats? Think again. "Thin flat shoes, like popular ballet flats, can also cause the same damage, including destruction of the fat pads and plantar fasciitis and heal spur," says says Robert Khorramian. "Flat shoes also don't provide any cushion under the feet, which can also causes damage to the musculoskeletal system because there is nothing (such as padding) to absorb the shock when walking." You can also expect knee, hip, and ankle pain.

For more on fashion-related health risks, check out the video below.

Related links:
Claire Danes Helps Fuel the Spanx Fetish at SAG
8 Celebs Who Swear by Spanx
Dangerous high heels: Women's shoes reach hazardous heights