How Safe Is It To Go On A Liquid Diet?

Liquid diets have a variety of purposes, which include preparing for and recovering from surgery, providing you with nutrition when you cannot eat solid foods, and helping to ensure the accuracy of medical tests. On the other hand, liquid diets do not provide adequate nutrition. According to the National Cancer Institute, you should not follow a liquid diet for more than one to two days, and only at the discretion of your physician.

Calories

A liquid diet cannot provide the recommended 2,000 calorie per day diet, according to "Human Nutrition." With a liquid diet, you will lose weight. But insufficient calories can make you weak and cause your body to lose lean mass. Without calories, your body does not receive adequate energy. However, for a patient recovering from surgery or illness and unable to eat solid foods, a liquid diet can provide hydration, minimal nutrition and electrolytes.

Lack of Proper Nutrition

A liquid diet -- comprised mainly of water, clear soda, broth, fruit juices without pulp, clear sports drinks, plain gelatin and flavored ice on a stick -- can make it very difficult to receive adequate nutrition. A liquid diet deprives your body of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. You cannot receive a balanced diet through clear liquids. A well-balanced diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats. Prolonged use of a clear liquid diet can lead to malnutrition. For patients on such diets for extended periods, doctors may opt to provide adequate nutrition using an IV.

Preparation for Medical Tests and Surgeries

Liquid diets do serve a purpose when it comes to preparing for a medical test or surgical procedure. Bowel surgery, stomach surgery and a colonoscopy -- internal examination of your colon and rectum -- all require preparation with a clear liquid diet, according to Mayo Clinic. Liquid diets help to cleanse the intestines. This gives doctors a clearer view of your stomach and bowels during medical tests and surgeries. It also helps doctors receive accurate test results and perform surgeries with accuracy and shorter recovery times.

Recovery

Liquid diets are easy on your digestive tract. Doctors often recommend them when you cannot chew, swallow or properly digest foods, according to the National Cancer Institute. A liquid diet allows your stomach to do little work and leaves very little undigested residue in your intestines. Doctors also recommend it for patients recovering from surgery of the bowels and digestive tract.