Dear Dr. Gott: I am a healthy and active 45-year-old female. Due to severe constipation (five to seven days without a bowel movement), I have had two colonoscopies over the last eight years.

Each has shown that my colon is about 2 feet longer than normal but is otherwise fine.

I was diagnosed with IBS, and my gastroenterologist put me on MiraLAX. I have been taking it for eight years now and eat a fairly healthful diet.

Both seem to have helped my constipation; however, once every few months, I have constipation that will last five to seven days before I have another bowel movement.

This concerns me, and I have read about many "bowel cleansing" solutions. I am reluctant to try these because I am afraid of causing damage or that these solutions may become habit-forming.

Obviously, the liquid phosphate laxative that I had to take prior to the colonoscopies sure does the trick in regards to cleansing, but that is too nasty and harsh for me to do even on occasion.

I have tried taking two Senna tablets, which helps, but it reports side effects and lazy bowel syndrome. Therefore, I usually only take it when absolutely needed. One of your articles referred to your "colon cocktail".

Would you please share with me your recipe or other safe, natural cleansers?

Dear reader: You appear to have been correctly diagnosed as having IBS with constipation and were given appropriate treatment.

You also appear to be responding well and have made suitable lifestyle changes to ensure proper health.

The only other suggestion I have regarding lifestyle would be to include daily exercise, as this can also aid digestion and evacuation.

As for the bowel cleansers, I am unsure what you have looked at. Laxatives? Enemas? Fibre supplements?

Fibre supplements are excellent for treatment of occasional or frequent constipation. They aid digestion, add bulk to the stool and allow for easier passage through the intestine and colon.

The two major types of fibre are in capsule or pill form and the drinkable form, which is powder that is mixed with water or juice before ingestion. Fibre is a safe, nonhabit-forming supplement.

Laxatives and enemas are both appropriate treatment options for occasional constipation.

They should not be used for extended periods or on a regular basis, as both can be habit-forming and cause damage to the colon.

With repeated use, the bowel can actually "forget" how to function normally, leading to constipation. My colon cocktail is neither habit-forming nor damaging. It is a combination of three foods that, when combined act, as a mild stimulant.

Simply mix equal portions of applesauce, bran and prune juice.

The bran adds fibre to the diet and the applesauce and prune juice urge the bowel to return to a normal function.

One to two tablespoons taken daily or as needed can provide relief from occasional or frequent constipation.

Constipation once every few months is not harmful. As for your use of Senna tablets, you are correct to use them only if absolutely necessary.

Despite the side-effect warnings, your judicious use is unlikely to cause a problem. Continue to use them or try one or more of my recommendations.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Constipation and Diarrhea". Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook." Write directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.