A clear liquid diet is usually prescribed to manage a particular medical condition, such as diverticulitis, or as part of the preparation for a medical procedure. Clear liquids may be the first food you are allowed after a surgical procedure on the stomach or intestines. A test such as a colonoscopy cannot be performed if the colon is full of stool, so a clear liquid diet is often used to help keep your colon empty. When you stop the diet depends on the reason it has been prescribed.
Purpose of the Diet
One purpose of a clear liquid diet is to keep your stomach and intestines clear for a medical procedure or surgery while providing you with some of the fluids, carbohydrates and electrolytes your body needs. A second purpose of a clear liquid diet is to allow you to resume eating with foods that are easily absorbed and don’t stress the digestive system, according to the Maine Medical Center.
Foods on the Diet
A clear liquid diet includes foods that are liquid at room temperature and that are transparent or translucent. Plain water, broth and clear soft drinks such as ginger ale are acceptable. You may also drink juices such as cranberry, apple and grape, but not juices that contain fruit pulp, such as pear or apricot. Plain gelatin and strained lemonade or fruit punch are included. You may also have honey, plain Popsicles made from the juices you are allowed to drink, and tea or coffee without milk or cream.
Clear Liquids for Tests
When to stop a clear liquid diet depends on the reason it has been prescribed. Most people don’t stay on the diet for more than two or three days because the diet is too low in nutrition, according to the Maine Medical Center. If you're on a clear liquid diet for a test such as a colonoscopy, you will usually be told to resume your regular diet once the test has been completed.
Diverticulitis and Surgery
If you have diverticulitis, the clear liquid diet is used for a few days to allow your inflamed intestines to rest and heal. You then start on a low-fiber diet and progress to a high-fiber diet, according to MayoClinic.com. When the clear liquid diet is used after abdominal surgery, your diet will be increased as you begin to show signs of normal bowel function -- passing gas or having a stool. Your doctor will tell you when you're ready to advance from a clear liquid diet to your usual diet.
Considerations and Warnings
A clear liquid diet should always be temporary as it doesn’t contain adequate calories and nutrients, according to MayoClinic.com. If you’re eating a clear liquid diet for a medical test, follow it exactly – for example, if you're having a colonoscopy, you may be asked to avoid anything that contains red food coloring. Eating or drinking additional foods may make the test invalid and you'll have to repeat it. Although alcohol is transparent, it isn't usually allowed on a clear liquid diet.
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