There are two main types of liquid diets: clear and full. According to the Diet Channel website, a liquid diet usually describes one that consists of only fluids. The choices on a clear liquid diet are very restricted; however, a full-liquid diet allows for the inclusion of many more foods and may be, with a few exceptions, nutritionally adequate.
Purpose
According to the Gastrointestinal Care website, a clear liquid diet helps maintains body fluids, electrolytes and provides some energy to patients when when normal food intake is interrupted. Clear liquids are easily absorbed by the body; leaving no residue in the intestinal tract which reduces digestive system stimulation. This diet may be used before gastrointestinal procedures or surgeries or as a short-term diet for digestive problems.
The full liquid diet may be used as a step between a clear liquid diet and a regular diet and may be adopted after a period of surgery or fasting. A full liquid diet is also appropriate for use after certain oral procedures, such as jaw surgery. It may be useful for patients who have chewing and/or swallowing chewing problems.
Clear
The clear liquid diet is made up mostly of beverages. As long as it is "clear," any liquid is allowed. Examples of clear liquid beverages appropriate for this diet include plain water; fruit juices without pulp, such as apple, grape or cranberry juice and lemonade. Clear sodas, such as Sprite; black coffee or tea and sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are allowed. Other items allowed on a clear liquid diet include clear broths, such as consommés or bouillons; syrup, honey or jelly; plain gelatin; popsicles; fruit ice or Italian ice and clear hard candies.
Full
A full liquid diet includes all items allowed on a clear liquid diet with many additions. Dairy products; such as milk, milkshakes and egg nog; ice cream; custard and puddings are allowed. All vegetable and fruit juices are acceptable as well as many cooked, refined cereals, such as farina, grits, oatmeal, cream of rice and/or cream of wheat. Butter, margarine and cream are recommended for a full liquid diet, as are strained cream soups and sherbet.
Protein Supplements
There are some physician-approved low-residue clear liquid diet supplements available to add nutrition to a traditional clear liquid diet. There are high-calorie, low-residue juice beverages and high-protein gelatins that add calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. While not required, these supplements may be beneficial to add to the diet if needed for longer than three days. For a full liquid diet, ready-to-drink low-residue protein shakes, such as Ensure, Boost and/or Carnation Instant Breakfast may be appropriate.
Multi-Vitamin/Mineral
A full liquid diet may provide enough calories, protein, carbohydrates fat, potassium and calcium for optimal health. There are some nutrients, however, which may come up short. A traditional full liquid diet is low in vitamins A and B12, thiamin and iron; primarily because it does not include meats, fish and/or poultry. If liquid nutritional supplements are not added or it is recommended as a long-term diet, then it should include a liquid multi-vitamin/mineral.
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