Liquid diets include any foods or beverages that are in a liquid form at room temperature. Liquid diets normally do not exceed one to two days, according to the National Cancer Institute. While liquid diets are not beneficial for weight loss, there are a number of other circumstance where liquid diets provide benefits.
Liquid Diets
There are two different types of liquid diets. When you are on a clear liquid diet, you can only consume liquids that are clear at room temperature, including water and gelatin. The other type of liquid diet is known as a full liquid diet. A full liquid diet includes any food or drink that is liquid at room temperature. Individuals on a full liquid diet are not quit ready to consume solid foods, but are able to eat thicker liquids such as a milkshake or smoothie.
Liquid Diet Foods
Foods and beverages on a clear liquid diet include water, clear sports drinks, plain gelatin, clear sodas, ice pops, fruit juices without pulp and broth. You can also consume coffee and tea without any milk or sugar added to your beverage. On a full liquid diet, you can consume any of the items of a clear liquid diet. You may also have milk, pudding, ice cream, custard, yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, strained meat with broth, instant breakfast shakes and protein shakes.
Benefits of Liquid Diets
Liquid diets are beneficial in providing people who are unable to consume solid foods with energy, some calories, electrolytes and help to provide adequate hydration. Liquid diets can be used before surgeries and procedures on the bowels and stomach to help clear the stomach, making surgery easier and allowing for more accurate test results. Patients recovering from stomach surgery are also able to rest their stomach and bowels, since liquid diets place very minimal strain on your digestive system. Liquid diets are also beneficial for those unable to keep solid foods down, those who are nauseous and those experiencing irritation of the mouth, esophagus or stomach.
Risks of Liquid Diets
Liquids diets are normally only consumed for a brief period of time -- one to two days -- for a reason. Liquid diets cannot provide you with the same adequate nutrition of consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet complete with solid foods. For this reason, liquid diets should not be used as a means of weight loss. They should be used for medical purposes only. If you are concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor about safe, healthy ways to lose weight. If you are required to use a liquid diet prior to a surgery or medical test, failure to comply with your pre-operative instructions on liquid dieting can result in a prolonged recovery and inaccurate test results.
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