When undergoing certain surgeries or suffering from digestive illnesses, you may be put on a clear liquid diet. These diets consist of liquids, such as water, some fruit juices and soup broths, that help clean out the digestive tract while also supplying enough calories and energy to help you recover.
What is a Clear Liquid Diet?
A clear liquid diet consists solely of clear liquids and foods that turn to clear fluids at room temperature. Anything consumed on this diet should be easily digestible and leave no residue in your digestive tract. While this kind of diet diet provides fluids, salts and minerals, it does not provide significant nutrients or calories. Therefore, it is not recommended as a long-term solution.
Surgery
The diet is often prescribed before surgeries or medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy. These procedures require that you have no food in your stomach or intestines, and it is important to adhere to the diet to avoid any complications. Clear liquid diets may also be needed after surgeries if the intestinal tract is weak or compromised.
Intestinal Illness
Clear liquid diets are important for certain cases of vomiting and diarrhea. Digestive illnesses can damage cells in the intestine and prevent them from absorbing solid foods. In addition, these illnesses can cause severe dehydration. Therefore, it is important to drink as many fluids as possible. Water is good, but liquids with sugar are better as they provide calories and energy, which will aid in your recovery.
What Can You Eat?
When on the diet, you should only consume liquids that you can see through. Liquids you can consume include water, fruit juices without pulp, sports drinks, black tea and coffee, and clear sodas such as Sprite and ginger ale. Other foods you can have include broth, plain gelatin and ice popsicles.
Resuming a Solid Food Diet
You can begin to incorporate solid foods once your doctor gives permission. You should start by consuming small quantities of crackers, bread, pasta or other starchy foods. If you can tolerate this, you can resume a normal diet. However, there are still certain foods you should avoid until you are fully recovered. Dairy products can cause temporary lactose intolerance, resulting in cramps and gas. In addition, spicy, fatty and fried foods can further irritate the stomach during your recovery.
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