Clear Liquid Diet
Background:
A clear liquid diet consists of most liquids you can easily see through like water, broth and plain gelatin. These are liquid at body temperature, easily digested and leave no residue in your intestinal tract. A clear liquid diet should not be continued for more than 3-5 days, as it cannot provide you with adequate calories and nutrients, and should not be tried without physician supervision.
Purpose:
A clear liquid diet helps maintain adequate hydration, provides important electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and gives some energy when a full diet isn’t possible. A clear liquid diet is often prescribed:
To prepare the bowel for a gastrointestinal procedure such as sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, some x-rays, or for surgery.
If you have certain digestive problems, such as nausea, abdominal distention, vomiting or diarrhea because clear liquids are easily absorbed by the body and reduce stimulation of the digestive system.
To reintroduce foods following a period with no oral intake.
What is considered a Clear Liquid?
You can eat or drink only things you can see through. These are acceptable clear liquids:
- Plain water
- Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice, grape juice or cranberry juice, many people use Hurom juicers to get the juice to a point where it is acceptable
- Strained lemonade, limeade or fruit punch
- Clear, fat-free broth (bouillon or consommé)
- Clear sodas (Ginger Ale, Sprite)
- Plain gelatin (Jell-O)
- Italian ice
- Kool-Aid
- Honey
- Popsicles without bits of fruit or fruit pulp
- Tea or coffee without milk or cream (may add sugar or lemon juice)
- Sports drinks
- Clear nutritional supplements, such as Ensure Clear or Boost Breeze
- Hard candies
These are NOT acceptable clear liquids:
- Milk
- Tomato juice
- Fruit juice with pulp
- Fruit nectars
Sample Menu:
Contains 1295 calories, 2 g fat, 2885 mg sodium, 285 g carbohydrate, 167 g sugar, 34 g protein
It is important that the clear liquid diet be followed exactly; the value of the examination will depend on a clean digestive tract.
A clear liquid diet cannot provide you with adequate nutrients for more than several days, so attempting a clear liquid diet without physician supervision is not recommended. Should abdominal cramps or discomfort persist while on a clear liquid diet, notify your physician immediately. To find a physician near you, please see our locations page. To schedule an appointment with our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, please call (602) 422-9800.