You might be required to follow a clear liquid diet before certain gastrointestinal tests, such as a colonoscopy, or after stomach or bowel surgery. In the case of a colonoscopy, your doctor needs to take an unobstructed look at your colon. In the case of stomach or bowel surgery, your organs need to begin healing before they can handle solids. Liquids you can see through make up the diet's menu. Some but not all clear-liquid diets permit cola.
Significance
You digest clear liquids easily, and they leave your digestive tract easily visible. This is important before tests such as a colonoscopy. Pre-procedure instructions for colonoscopy patients often prohibit purple, red or brown liquids, which can leave coloring that may suggest blood or mask pre-cancerous polyps.
Clear-liquid diets also put little strain on your stomach and bowels. After gastrointestinal surgery, patients are routinely put on a clear-liquid diet for at least one day after the procedure. This gives the digestive tract a chance to adjust after surgery.
Foods Always Allowed
Almost any clear-liquid diet includes lightly colored nonpulpy juices. You may also enjoy ice pops without any pulp and gelatin. Broth without any meat or vegetables, weak tea, sports drinks and clear soda are other staples on a clear-liquid plan. Milk is not considered a clear liquid.
Cola
Your doctor will typically disallow cola before a colonoscopy, as the color could affect your test results. In a post-surgery situation, cola may be part of your clear-liquid diet. Most clear-liquid diets allow sparkling water or clear soda, so the carbonation in cola should not be a problem.
Considerations
Your doctor should provide you with a specific list of what is permitted on your particular clear-liquid diet. Follow this plan carefully, as straying from the list could render test results inaccurate or hinder your healing. If you are unsure as to whether cola is OK, it is best to leave it out.
A clear-liquid diet can provide you with calories for energy and prevent dehydration, but it does not offer enough nutrition to sustain you for the long run. Because of this, follow a clear-liquid diet for no more than three days.
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