A clear liquid diet is usually prescribed for people undergoing surgery and medical procedures such as a colonoscopy. It is also recommended for individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) problems like inflammatory bowel disease where cramping and diarrhea can be moderately uncomfortable. If you are on a clear liquid diet, it is important to understand why and for how long.
Purpose of a Clear Liquid Diet
The foods in the clear liquid diet are absorbed easily and clear quickly from the body, which makes them ideal for surgical candidates. They are also an attractive option for people with gastric problems because they are very gentle on the digestive tract. You should not be on a clear liquid diet for more than a few days, since the foods do not provide all essential nutrients. It is only a temporary source of calories and hydration until you can eat solid foods again.
OK and Not-OK Food List
A clear liquid diet includes all liquids and foods that are transparent. Drink mineral water, Sprite, ginger ale, and clear sports drink. Fruit juices such as apple, cranberry, and grape, are fine as long as there is no pulp. Try broth, bouillon, or tea (without milk or cream). Eat Jell-O (minus the fruit) and popsicles. Suck on hard candy. Use honey, sugar, and syrup as sweeteners, and add salt to your food if you need more flavor. All opaque liquids and foods are excluded from the clear liquid diet. If you cannot see through the food item, do not eat it. Do not consume milk, soda, alcohol, tomato juice, or creamy soups.
Risks
Eating clear liquid foods will not fill you up, and since your choices are very limited, you may be tempted to reach for something that is not on your diet. Refrain from such impulses. If you are a surgical candidate, your surgery may be postponed or even cancelled--when things are in your stomach, you risk aspiration during intubation, which may later lead to pneumonia. If you already have gastrointestinal problems like cramping, eating foods excluded from the clear liquid diet will only create more agony.
The Next Step
The clear liquid diet is not meant to provide long-term nutrition. In general, if you do well with clear liquids--no nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach--then your physician will upgrade you to the next step, which is a full liquid diet.
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