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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.

Of course, anyone knowledgeable about how the body functions knows that proper diet can go a long way to establishing and maintaining bowel health, but time and eating habits may work against many people. Resorting to a colen cleanse may seem to be more practical than radically changing the diet on a permanent basis, and committing to a 7 day colon cleanse may seem more "do-able" than a total life change.

A variety of commercial colon cleansers are marketed, some as individual products, and others in kit form containing several items to be used together. In addition, some colon cleansing regimes will also suggest the use of enemas or colon irrigations to empty the bowel as completely as possible. Some plans will also recommend special diets and fasts to be used, some allowing only water during the seven day period.

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.

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.

Many people who practice alternative medicine recommend the 7 day colon cleanse for a variety of reasons. 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. Since modern diet is so integrally linked to lifestyle, people are finding that having a colen cleanse is a better option than trying to radically change their lifestyles. Some plans add other herbs and substance, such as bentonite clay which is supposed to remove toxins from the body.