A clear food diet is essentially composed of clear liquid fluids and substances that become liquid at room temperature, such as gelatin, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center. This limited diet is prescribed to patients for various reasons, including as a preparation for surgery, short-term weight loss and to help alleviate certain ailments. Although believed beneficial, the clear food diet should be followed only under a doctor's care.
Function
The clear food diet is necessary for the maintenance of vital body fluids, salts and minerals in patients unable to consume solid foods, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. It is often prescribed before common medical procedures such as colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies and some X-rays. The clear food diet is also recommended before and after major surgeries and for the treatment of several diseases and conditions.
Components
Jackson Siegalbaum Gastroenterology states that the clear food diet is anything you can see through. You may drink liquids, such as fruit juices without pulp, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water. Gelatin, popsicles without pulp, fruit ice, clear hard candy and bouillon broth are also allowed. In addition, the National Cancer Institute advises that you can eat honey, syrups and salt. However, the clear food diet prohibits dairy products, vegetables, breads, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, rice, pasta, fats and oils.
Benefits
The clear food diet may be of benefit in many intestinal disorders, because it is easily absorbed, reduces digestive tract stimulation and leaves no residue in the intestinal tract, reports Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. This diet also provides 3 to 4 days of adequate nutrition for patients unable to consume solid foods, according to the UMMC. However, the clear food diet should be supplemented -- when followed for more than five days -- with high-protein gelatin or similar foods to prevent nutritional and calorie deficits, cautions Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Disease
The clear food diet may relieve symptoms in people suffering from cancer and Crohn's disease. Patients undergoing cancer treatments often experience severe side effects. According to the National Cancer Institute, the clear food diet provides vital nutrition while easing patient symptoms, such as a sore mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can result in severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and possible malnutrition, according to MayoClinic.com. Crohn's patients with severe symptoms may be advised to follow the clear food diet for a limited period of time to relieve intestinal stress.
Weight Loss
Some people use the clear food diet to help them lose weight. The Diet Channel states that in cases of extreme obesity some doctors put their patients on the clear food diet. Despite an initial appearance of success, it is not believed to promote healthy eating habits for long-term weight loss. Many doctors also believe that the clear food diet does not provide the necessary protein, fiber, vitamins and other nutrients when followed for prolonged periods, cautions The Diet Channel. On the other hand, the clear food diet could be used to help lose a limited amount of weight in conjunction with some solid foods. You should begin the clear food diet for weight loss only under a doctor's supervision.
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