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Numerous practitioners of alternative medicine advocated a 7 day colon cleanse for a lot of reasons. Some of them believe in "auto-intoxication," the belief that the body produces toxins and when these toxins are not correctly removed they are harmful to bodily health. Most people today eat a lot of highly processed foods that lack the necessary fiber for healthy bowels, and a colon cleanser aids in purifying the system.

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 colon cleanser products available on the market. Some are stand-alone products, while others are kits containing several different items meant to be used together. Many colon cleansing protocols require colonic irrigation and/or enemas to completely empty the bowels. Some plans require occasional fasts or special diets, with a few allowing no solid food intake during the seven days during which the cleansing is to occur.

Why is it that so many colon cleansing products use a seven day period? It may be as simple as the familiarity of a one-week schedule. Seven days is not a long enough commitment of time to daunt many people. Some people believe that a natural seven day cycle, linked to the menstrual cycle or the phases of the moon, governs health. Some believe that it takes seven days to remove toxins from the lymph or blood. Whatever the reason, a 7 day colon cleanse cycle has become the standard used by many such products.

It is sensible to discuss any health program or treatment with your regular physician before beginning it, but the 7 day colon cleanse is normally safe for most people, especially one that relies on gentle bulk-forming materials to encourage the bowels to empty. It's prudent to be careful whatever the products used because any person might have special health concerns. Be aware that a traditional physician may dispute the idea that the colon can even have large amounts of fecal material built up or that there is any need to cleanse at all.

Most 7 day colon cleanse regimes rely primarily on psyllium seed, often ground, a natural product that swells on contact with water and provides bulk in the intestines which stimulates them to act and empty. It is fairly gentle and also the common ingredient in bulk laxatives and fiber supplements marketed for routine use. Some plans add other herbs and substance, such as bentonite clay which is supposed to remove toxins from the body. Other may add senna or other laxative or purgative preparations, but these can cause cramping and diarrhea and may be less safe.