Many people who practice alternative medicine recommend the 7 day colon cleanse for a variety of reasons. Some subscribe to what is called "auto-intoxication" when it is believed that the body creates toxins and poisons itself when these are not properly eliminated, Modern diets are often very processed and lack the fiber for efficient bowel function, requiring the use of a colon cleanser of some kind to facilitate elimination.

Most people with a basic understanding of how the body works know that bowel health can be improved through a healthy diet. However, many people don't eat well due to time constraints or bad dietary habits. A colon cleanse thus seems more logical than greatly altering one's diet. Given the choice, many people would prefer a 7 day colon cleanse to a new, permanent dietary regime.

There are many different varieties of colon cleansers marketed in commercial sales. Some are sold as individual products, others come in a kit form which may have multiple items designed to be used together. Some colon cleansing techniques may require a person to use an enema or a colon irrigation to ensure the bowels are as empty as possible. Other colon solutions recommend diet or fasting with water being the only intake over the course of seven days.

It is asked sometimes, why seven days are needed to ensure the colon is throughly cleansed. There are a lot of reasons for this timeline. On explanation is it is a time frame that most people can accept willingly, yet long enough to ensure the process is effective. Others believe the length of the cycle is in relation to the phases of the moon, or even a mentrual cycle. Still others believe it takes that long to cleanse toxins from the blood or lymph nodes. Consequently, seven days has become the acceptable standard.

It has been debated whether using a 7 day colon cleanse should be used to clear fecal matter stuck in the bowels. Most traditional physicians reject this idea, but for most people using bulk formers and other products to induce bowel cleansing is not harmful. The consumer should be wise and discuss their plan with their physician before using any "health" product. By doing this it ensures the safety of the consumer and makes sure that these products or procedures are not a threat to their medical condition.

Psyllium seed is a natural product that swells to absorb water, thus providing bulk which the intestines will then attempt to remove. Most 7 day colon cleanse supporters use psyllium seed, which is gentle and often used in fiber supplements and laxatives. Other substances such as bentonite clay may be used to remove toxins from the body. Various herbs, senna, laxatives, and purgatives may also be included, but some of these are not safe as they can lead to cramping and may trigger serious diarrhea.

A 7 day colon cleanse is a standard alternative medicine practice designed to eliminate toxins from the body before they poison our system. The toxins are created by eating a processed modern diet. The colen cleanse may recommend special diets and fasts to be used, some allowing only water during the seven day period. The colon cleanser may be either an individual product or a collection of products in a kit. Consult with your doctor for safety, but little harm comes from adding fiber or herbs or clay to stimulate the bowels to release toxins for a week.