Before, during and after a hospital stay, food and nutrition can play a vital role in the healing process. Therapeutic diets are often prescribed to help treat or manage a condition. These diets are used in both long- and short-term medical situations. Two examples are the clear liquid diet and the full liquid diet.
Why Liquid Diets Are Prescribed
Liquid diets are prescribed when a medical procedure or condition requires minimal residue in the gastrointestinal tract. A clear liquid diet is often used before and after surgery, prior to diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, or following periods of illness that include vomiting or diarrhea. The full liquid diet is used as a transition between a clear liquid diet and a regular diet, often after a surgical procedure. A full liquid diet may also be recommended for people who have trouble with chewing or swallowing. Both diets are usually meant to be short-term and used as part of a medical treatment plan.
Clear Liquid Diet
The clear liquid diet consists of liquids that you can see through. Plain water, juice without pulp, fat-free clear broth, clear soda, coffee, tea, honey, plain gelatin, clear hard candy and popsicles are the foods allowed on a clear liquid diet. Dairy products must be completely avoided. A physician may further limit this list of allowed foods for certain procedures and conditions.
Full Liquid Diet
The full liquid diet includes foods that are or will become liquid at room or body temperature, providing many more food options. All beverages are allowed, including milk, fruit juice, vegetable juice and high-calorie oral supplements like Ensure or Boost. Yogurt without nuts or fruit and strained cooked cereals such as cream of wheat, strained cream soups, pudding, ice cream and custard are all options on the full liquid diet. Condiments such as butter, margarine, cream, oil, salt and spices can also be included. Some individuals may be temporarily lactose intolerant after surgery, and this diet can be modified to include only lactose-free products if necessary.
Nutritional Adequacy
Both the clear and full liquid diets are considered nutritionally inadequate. If either diet is used for more than three days, speak with a physician or registered dietitian about supplements to increase protein, calories, vitamins and minerals.
Check with a physician or other health care provider before making any major dietary changes.
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