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.

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.

Along with being the primary ingredient of common laxatives and fiber dietary supplements, ground psyllium seed is the active component of most seven-day colon cleansing regimes. It functions as bulk when it has expanded in the presence of water within the large intestine, thereby inducing the organ to evacuate. Other formulas include additional homeopathic remedies such as herbs or bentonite clay, an agent claimed to purge the body of toxins. Some involve the augmentation of the regime with laxatives and purgative mixtures, which could be less safe as they can elicit cramping and diarrhea.