Liquid diets involve eating and drinking primarily liquids with little to no foods permitted. Such a diet may be necessary and recommended by a physician for certain medical and health conditions; people who have difficulty swallowing or chewing; prior to or post surgery; after dental work; or for weight loss. In particular, organic liquid diets are increasingly used by people looking to lose weight quickly and/or cleanse their body as part of a detox. However, according to MayoClinic.com, there is little evidence citing the effectiveness of detox diets. Consult a physician prior to initiating a liquid only diet that may incur health risks.
Liquid Juices
A liquid diet consists of drinking juices instead of eating food for every meal, according to Every Diet.com. Juices are usually a combination of fresh fruits and vegetables that have been put through a juicer to separate the pulp, or fiber, from the juice. The juice is absorbed into the bloodstream quicker than eating the fruits and vegetables as a whole which increases digestion time. According to Kimberly Snyder, CNS and author of "The Beauty Detox Solution", juicing provides instant, sustained energy. The body receives nutrients readily without having to break them down and use energy for digestion. This gives the organs time to rest and repair while improving digestive processes.
Smoothies
In addition to juices, water and smoothies may also be consumed on a liquid diet. Smoothies are typically more fruit based and are blended using a combination of fruits, water and milk and usually some type of protein powders. The inclusion of smoothies and permissible ingredients may vary between the myriad of liquid diets available. Smoothies provide essential macro-nutrients to the body more quickly than eating a meal as they are absorbed into the bloodstream faster. They are typically used by athletes to provide quick nutrition to the muscles for improved repair and recovery times. However, low-calorie shakes make convenient meal replacements for people on a weight-loss program.
Organic
An organic liquid diet consists of drinking liquids that are only processed using organic foods. According to HelpGuide.org, organic foods refers to the way foods are grown and produced by farmers and agriculturists. More specifically, they must be pesticide-free, grown in safe soil, have not been modified, contain no genetically modified ingredients or grown with non-organic foods. Organic produce may have more antioxidants and produce fewer pesticides versus conventionally grown produce which decreases the risk of allergies, illnesses and toxic build-up in the body. However, despite these benefits, evidence is lacking regarding the nutritional superiority of organic foods versus non-organic.
Caution
Liquid diets that involve juices and smoothies can provide essential nutrition to the body since fruits and vegetables are a rich source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Produce is also a source of antioxidants that aid in preventing serious diseases including heart disease and certain cancers. However, drinking only juices and water eliminates other essential nutrients such as protein and fat, needed for the growth and repair of muscle tissue and normal body functions respectively. Weight loss incurred is also typically water weight and not fat-loss. However, adding in liquid smoothies that are prepared with protein powders and healthy fats such as flaxseed oil increases both calorie and nutrient intake for a more sustainable diet.
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