The harsh treatments that cancer patients undergo can have a wide variety of side effects, including problems that affect the digestive system. As a result, a cancer patient may not be able to maintain a regular diet. To provide cancer patients with energy, fluids and some nutrition, doctors may prescribe a liquid diet. There are two types of liquid diets: clear liquid and full liquid.
Reasons for Liquid Diet
Following surgery, cancer patients may be placed on a liquid diet during recovery. If you are having surgery or a procedure, such as bowel or abdominal surgery, your doctor may put you on a liquid diet to help prepare you for the procedure. For cancer patients with digestive problems, a liquid diet may also be used. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and mouth sores are all side effects of cancer treatment that may make it difficult for a cancer patient to chew, swallow and digest regular food.
Clear Liquid Diet
Doctors may place cancer patients on a clear liquid diet, which consists of any liquid that you can see through -- or are clear -- while at room temperature, according to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This diet helps to provide you with energy and hydration without causing your digestive system to work very hard. It is important to remember that you won't receive the vital nutrients your body needs from a clear liquid diet alone, which is why clear liquid diets are normally prescribed for only a few days at a time.
Clear Liquid Diet Options
There are a number of different options while your doctor has you on a clear liquid diet. You can drink water, sports drinks, kool-aid and fruit juices without pulp. You are also allowed to drink coffee or tea without milk or cream. Clear soft drinks, such as ginger ale, are also permitted. While on a clear liquid diet, you can also consume chicken, vegetable or beef broth. For a sweet treat on a clear liquid diet, hard candies, gelatin and popsicles are permitted.
Full Liquid Diet
A full liquid diet is another option for cancer patients. A full liquid diet is prescribed for cancer patients whose bodies can handle clear liquids but are not quite ready for solid foods, according to the National Cancer Institute. Full liquid diets include all foods and beverages that are liquid at room temperature. This includes thicker liquids, such as smoothies and milk shakes. Full liquid diet foods may be blended or pureed. You will be able to get more adequate nutrition on a full liquid diet than on a clear liquid diet.
Full Liquid Diet Options
Included in the things you can have on a full liquid diet are instant breakfast shakes, milk, pudding, milkshakes, smoothies, protein shakes, ice cream, oatmeal, grits, custard, and broth with strained meat. You can also have tomato or potato soup, yogurt, butter, all fruit juices, and jelly in small quantities.
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