If you have ever been a patient in an emergency room or hospital, you may have been placed on a clear liquid diet. A clear liquid diet includes foods and beverages that are transparent and are liquid at room temperature. Since this diet is low calorie, low fiber and inadequate in meeting most nutrients, the American Dietetic Association recommends using it for short-term use only.
Purpose
The purpose of a clear liquid diet is to provide oral hydration, some electrolytes, and easy digestion with minimal intestinal and colon residue. A physician generally will prescribe you a clear liquid diet in preparation for a test, procedure, or surgery, during post-surgery recovery or as a transitional diet, such as after receiving parenteral nutrition, or IV nutrition, or restarting an oral diet after requiring a tube feeding. Gastrointestinal problems that require some bowel rest, such as abdominal pain, partial ileus, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are other indications for using a clear liquid diet.
Beverages
Beverages allowed on a clear liquid diet include water, tea, coffee, and clear and pulp- free juices such as apple, cranberry, grape or strained orange juice or lemonade. Coffee or tea should not have any cream or milk added to it. Sugar, sugar substitute or honey may be used in coffee or tea, if desired. Clear carbonated beverages, such as lemon lime soda or ginger ale and sports drinks may also be included.
Foods
Foods included in a clear liquid diet are clear chicken, beef or vegetable broth or bouillon, clear flavored gelatin, and clear high calorie, high protein supplements, such as Boost Breeze or Enlive. Some desserts on a clear liquid diet are frozen pops, clear fruit juice ices or Italian ice, and hard candy.
Foods to Avoid
Some physicians may request you avoid red-colored items while on a clear liquid diet if they are examining the colon or intestines. Following a gastric surgery or heart attack, you may be advised to omit caffeine-containing items, such as coffee or tea. These may be replaced by decaffeinated coffee or tea.
Considerations
Since a clear liquid diet is not adequate in essential nutrients and is low in calories, the Mayo Clinic advises that this diet not be followed for more than one to three days. After three days, if you are unable to tolerate advancing to a full liquid diet, other means of nutrition may need to be considered.
References
- "Handbook of Clinical Dietetics, 2nd Edition "; American Dietetic Association; 1992
- Mayo Clinic: Clear Liquid Diet
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