A clear liquid diet is used for medical purposes to alleviate symptoms of certain stomach conditions or to help a patient prepare for surgery. Because of its various purposes, your clear liquid diet may vary in some ways, making it important to pay special attention to your doctor's orders about what you can and can't consume on your clear liquid diet.
Purpose
A clear liquid diet is used to help to maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte levels while helping to flush out the digestive system in preparation for surgery, or to help regulate the stomach and intestines due to certain gastrointestinal conditions, according to MayoClinic.com. Because a clear liquid diet doesn't leave behind any residue, it is an effective tool for preparing for surgeries such as a colonoscopy or a simple procedure like an x-ray. Clear liquid diets are often used following surgery to help to prevent nausea and vomiting through slow reintroduction of food to the digestive system.
Recommended Foods
A clear liquid diet gets its name from the fact that any clear liquid is allowed to be consumed during the diet. Clear liquids include fruit juices such as cranberry juice, apple juice and strained lemonade without pulp. Patients on a clear liquid diet can also have broth, gelatin -- without added ingredients such as fruit -- and candy or popsicles. Sports drinks can be an effective tool on a liquid diet since they contain higher amounts of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and calcium.
Restricted Foods
Any solid foods are strictly prohibited on the clear liquid diet, since they require digestion to pass through the patient's system. Even some liquids are not acceptable on the clear liquid diet, such as dairy in any form. Patients should also avoid fats or oils, such as vegetable oil, butter or margarine. Creamy or thick soups should not be consumed on a liquid diet.
Risks
Since a clear liquid diet is severely restricted in calories, it should not be used as a weight-loss solution or for more than a few days in preparation for surgery, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients on a clear liquid diet should avoid vigorous physical activity, since the diet restricts the intake of carbohydrates and protein, which help to fuel the body.
Following Doctor's Orders
Following your doctor's guidelines for the liquid diet is essential for having a successful test or procedure. Your doctor may have guidelines specific to your procedure, such as avoiding clear liquids with red coloring if you're preparing for a colon exam, according to MayoClinic.com.
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