10 Real reasons fajas are dangerous

Having the perfect cintura has been owed to the powerful faja for centuries. Although waist trainers just started to become a celebrity fad, Latinas have been using fajas since the beginning of time. Our abuelas know all about cinching the waist to perfection and have passed down the tradition. It may seem like a harmless beauty secret, but wearing fajas could have really dangerous health effects. Some are way scarier than you could even imagine! 

Read more ¿Qué más?: Wearing a faja while pregnant: Do or don't?

Images via Corbis

It's harder to breathe

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Corbis

Fajas may seem harmless, but many end up squeezing and compressing your lungs. This decreases your flow of oxygen, making it more challenging to breathe normally.

It irritates your skin

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Corbis

The waist trainer is usually made of a cotton mix, but the material tends to dig and rub against your skin. This can cause a rash or even skin chafing, which isn't very pretty to look at.

You can suffer from meralgia paresthetica

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Corbis

Wearing a tight and restraining item like a corset or waist trainer can lead you to develop the health condition known as meralgia paresthetica. The condition causes burning pain and numbness in your skin. Your doctor will most likely prescribe pain killers and tell you to avoid wearing tight clothing.

It can hurt your spine

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Corbis

While you may feel like your posture improves a bit while wearing a faja, it actually creates an unnatural curve in your spine. This can cause lasting back issues and pain in the future.

It gives you varicose veins

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Corbis

Everyone wants a tiny waist, but you may end up developing varicose veins as a result. Tight clothes and fajas affect your circulation, which can cause blood clots in the thigh and leg area. Not cute!

It messes with your bowels

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Corbis

Fajas restrain your intestines and slows down the digestion process. This can cause bowel issues, constipation and stomach pain. None of those sound appealing!

It can cause rib damage

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Corbis

Waist trainers are so tight that they restrict movement and could cause permanent damage to your ribs. Fajas push your lower ribs closer together, which can cause prolonged pain and a deformed rib cage.

It can cause urinary tract issues

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The fact is that fajas put the bladder under pressure, which can lead to a urinary tract infection. UTIs are painful and require antibiotics from a doctor to cure it.

You can suffer from Glenard Disease

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Prolonged faja use can cause this disease, which occurs when your organs develop a downward placement. It also weakens your abdominal muscles and causes vomiting, dizziness and diarrhea.

You can pass out

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Corbis

With all of the stress you end up putting your body through with a waist trainer, it may just want to give up on you. Some women may pass out due to shortness of breath and pain from the restricting device.