A clear liquid diet serve many purposes, and although it might not be the most appetizing diet, it is necessary is certain circumstances. Your choice of items is limited, but this is the purpose behind the diet. Your doctor orders a clear liquid diet for various reasons. No matter what the reason, you must strictly adhere to the instructions he gives you.
Significance
At various times in your life, you may need to follow a clear liquid diet. MayoClinic.com explains it helps keep you hydrated and maintain energy by providing your body with the sodium and potassium it requires until you can eat solid food again.
Surgical Procedures
Doctors usually order a clear liquid prior to surgical procedures like a colonoscopy. Your body absorbs them easily, and they reduce the stimulation of the digestive tract, clearing your bowels and colon of residue that may make a colonoscopy difficult to perform. Clear liquids are often ordered following surgical procedures as well. Gastric bypass surgery is a prime example. The purpose of clear liquids following this procedure is to ensure the patient can tolerate liquids. This helps the doctor determine if the patient is at risk for vomiting, which can lead to complications with the surgical staples.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be the result of an intestinal illness, or as a side effect of medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of liquids. Infections can damage the cells of your intestines, inhibiting your ability to absorb nutrients from solids, proteins and fats. Eating these foods during this time will worsen your condition. However, lack of carbohydrates can slow recovery, so it is better to drink water flavored with sugar, the foundation of carbohydrates. Diarrhea from chemotherapy has the same effect on your body. BreastCancer.org recommends foods high in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps reduce the amount of diarrhea you have.
Acceptable Food and Drinks
Plain or sugar water, broth flavored with bouillon cubes, plain gelatin, ice pops, fruit juices without pulp, coffee or tea and clear soda. Do not consume any foods or beverages not included here unless your doctor gives his permission.
Risks
MayoClinic.com states you should not follow a clear liquid more than a few days unless otherwise instructed by your physician. It lacks adequate calories and nutrients your body requires, and should only be used until you can comfortable digest solid food again. If using a clear liquid diet for the purpose of a medical exam, you must strictly adhere to the diet or the exam may need to be rescheduled or performed again.
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