A clear liquid diet is indicated for a few different health care situations. In this type of diet, you drink only liquids you can see through. Some acceptable liquids include chicken and vegetable broth, clear soda, clear tea and fruit juices you can see through, such as apple and white grape juice. Clear foods that liquefy at room temperature, such as light-colored gelatin and ice pops, also are acceptable, according to Drugs.com. Clear liquids do not stimulate or put strain on the digestive system, and provide fluids, electrolytes and some nutrition. The diet usually only lasts one or two days.
Pre-Surgery and Post-Surgery
Doctors typically require a clear liquid diet before an operation so your digestive tract is empty during surgery. Clear liquids do not leave any residue in the digestive system. This decreases the risk of surgical complications as well as nausea after the operation, explains the Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center. Some operations, particularly stomach or intestinal surgery, call for a clear liquid diet for a day or two afterward as well. Certain tests and procedures require a clear liquid diet, such as a colonoscopy.
Digestive Problems
A clear liquid diet may be indicated for digestive disorders that cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as noted by MayoClinic.com. This diet can be soothing, for instance, for someone with a condition commonly referred to as stomach flu. In addition, intestinal infections can damage cells that absorb food, so eating solid food, protein and fats can prolong diarrhea and vomiting and make the person feel worse, according to Quickcare.org. During these illnesses, the intestines can usually absorb the components of a clear liquid diet, consisting primarily of fluids and sugar. In contrast, taking no food or liquid by mouth can lead to dehydration and a lack of carbohydrates that may actually slow recovery. Sugary liquids, such as fruit juice, provide calories and food energy for healing and basic physical function, and they also tend to have a soothing effect on nausea.
Easing Back Into Food Consumption
Health care providers commonly recommend a clear liquid diet when you have not taken any food by mouth for a long time, as noted by Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. The clear liquid diet can be beneficial for a malnourished person before progressing to other foods. People breaking a fast sometimes do so with a clear liquid diet to ease back into food consumption before changing to a regular liquid diet and then soft foods.
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