If you or someone you know has been admitted to the hospital with a heart condition, you might be met with a doctor placing you on a liquids-only diet. Liquid diets can be prescribed for a number of reasons, but when it relates to heart conditions, the most common reason is in anticipation of surgery, or the recovery from a prior procedure. You should always follow your doctor's orders and stay away from solid foods until permitted to return to a normal diet.
Liquid Diet
Liquid diets nourish the body solely through liquid products, such as water, fruit juices and broths. In some cases gelatin and other liquid-based foods may also be allowed. Liquid diets are used in certain situations because they pass quickly through the body, keep you well-hydrated and leave little or no residue in the intestinal tracts, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Condition Types
Many types of heart conditions can lead to a person being hospitalized and/or being placed on a liquid diet. Heart disease is one, as are heart conditions that require a bypass, open heart surgery or a heart transplant, such as a heart attack. While these are the most common types of heart conditions, sometimes leading to your placement on a liquids-only diet, there may be other reasons for your doctor to make this designation.
Surgery Requirements
Prior to a surgery for a heart condition, the body needs to be vacated of solid foods. In some cases you will also be fed through a feeding tube to provide nutrients to the body. Failure to adhere to a liquid diet may cause complications in the surgery or interactions with certain drugs administered. Most liquid diets administered after a surgery are intended to ease your body into eating and digestion. Eating solid foods may be difficult or uncomfortable for a time, so liquid diets are used while the body recovers.
Acceptable Fluids
According to the Mayo Clinic, a clear fluids diet -- one commonly provided around a surgical procedure -- permits the consumption of water, pulp-free fruit juices and fruit punch, broths, clear soda, sports drinks, honey, tea, black coffee, and ice pops. However, your doctor may change these rules, allowing you to take in some dairy products, dark sodas or drinks with pulp. When in doubt, consult your doctor about your own specific circumstances.
Considerations
In most cases, liquid diets implemented after a heart operation are continued until the patient becomes comfortable with the consumption of solid foods. This can vary depending on how the surgery goes and how strong the patient feels. You may experience nausea and a very weak appetite initially, but a fluids-only diet will provide necessary nutrients to you and slowly help you build back your strength.
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