Medical conditions and treatments exist that require special dietary protocols. A clear liquid diet and a full liquid diet are two special diets. Doctors and registered dietitians may prescribe these diets if you are undergoing surgical procedures or if you have illnesses that affect your gastrointestinal tract, such as cancer. Because these diets exclude solid foods, they are generally easier to digest. However, they may be deficient in key nutrients and calories. For this reason, special diets should only be followed under supervision by a licensed medical professional.
Clear Liquid Diet
A clear liquid diet consists of liquids such as water and broth that leave no residue in your digestive tract. This quality makes a clear liquid diet suitable to procedures that require no food in your gut, such as a colonoscopy, according to MayoClinic.com. It is also used after bowel surgery or if there is a risk for nausea or vomiting in a patient because clear liquids are easier to digest than solid foods.
Clear Liquids
The term "clear liquid" is a bit of a misnomer because some of the foods included in this diet are neither clear nor liquid. A clear liquid diet includes plain water, coffee and tea without milk or cream, as well as fruit juice without the pulp, sodas and sports drinks. It also includes broth, ice pops, honey and plain gelatin. These foods are rapidly and easily absorbed into your bloodstream. However, because such foods are low in calories and nutrients, following a clear liquid diet for more than a few days can leave you malnourished.
Full Liquid Diet
A full liquid diet is used to transition a patient from a clear liquid diet to a regular diet. Other indications include after procedures such as jaw wiring and for patients who have swallowing or chewing problems, according to Frank Jackson, M.D. As with a clear liquid diet, a full liquid diet is deficient in certain key nutrients, including iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A and thiamine; it should not be used for prolonged periods unless supplements are added.
Full Liquids
All liquids, served at room temperature or body temperature, are allowed on a full liquid diet, notes the National Cancer Institute. This includes milk products, to provide adequate protein. Although not included in the diet's name, some solid foods can be consumed on this diet as well. Among these are frozen yogurt, strained meat, cooked cereal, butter, pureed potatoes and tomatoes. Because they are harder to digest, solid breads, meat, eggs and grains are excluded.
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