Liquid diets may be medically necessary before surgery or they may be beneficial for reintroducing foods for some patients. A liquid diet may be required when a patient cannot chew food or for a patient with a wired jaw. Some liquid diets claim to help the dieter lose weight quickly or detox her body, but these diets may not be medically sound, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition."
Clear Liquid Diet
Your doctor may order a clear liquid diet before intestinal surgery or if you suffer from a digestive disorder, according to MayoClinic.com. A clear diet should last only a few days because it does not provide adequate nutrition. On a clear diet, you may drink only liquids you can see through, such as strained juices, clear broths, water, sodas and coffee or tea without cream. Your doctor may allow you to eat flavored gelatin, as well. Juices that contain pulp are not allowed.
Full Liquid Diet
A full liquid diet offers more variety than a clear liquid diet and it may be beneficial during the transitional stage between a clear diet and a soft food diet. However, a full liquid diet is still deficient in some nutrients including iron, niacin and folacin, according to Springboard4Health.com. On a full liquid diet you may consume all the liquids allowed on a clear diet plus hot cooked cereal thinned with milk, cream soups, pureed fruits and juices, custard, pudding, ice cream and milk shakes. In some cases, you may also have pureed meats, added to broths. Ask your doctor for specific restrictions if you're on a full liquid diet.
Juice Fast
A juice fast is a liquid diet in which the liquid is drawn from fruits and vegetables using a juicer. Powerful juicers can extract liquid from seemingly hard vegetables, including carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, beets and peppers, according to DoctorYourself.com, a health-homesteading website.
While a juice fast provides some vitamins and minerals in an easy-to-digest liquid form, it may not offer adequate protein, fiber and other nutrients. Dieters may experience diarrhea, abdominal cramping or loose stools. Undertake a juice fast under the supervision of your doctor.
Fad Diets
Liquid diets that claim to provide quick weight loss but do not provide adequate calories and nutrition may be dangerous to your health. These diets include drinking only water with lemon juice or water mixed with cider vinegar. Some liquid diets may claim to detoxify your body or your liver, but according to The Diet Channel, scientific evidence does not support these claims. Talk to your doctor before starting any new liquid diet.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline L. Longe, 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Clear Liquid Diet
- Springboard: Full Liquid Diet
- Doctor Yourself: How to Juice Fast
Member Comments