What Is A Clear Liquid Diet?
According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), a clear liquid diet is a dietary plan that “consists solely of liquids/semi-liquids that are fully clear (1).” It is restricted to liquids that remain transparent at room temperature. The foods can have color but have to be transparent (2). This 3 to 5 day-long diet plan is prescribed by doctors to people dealing with digestive health issues, gastrointestinal tract issues, ulcers, diverticulitisi Inflammation or infection in one or more pouches in the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain and fever. , and before or after gastrointestinal or colon surgeries. We will discuss how a clear liquid diet works in the next section. Read on.
How The Clear Liquid Diet Works
The clear liquid diet is rich in nutrition and electrolytesi Electrically charged minerals in the blood and other bodily fluids responsible for regulating water and pH levels in the body. without being too harsh on digestion. It is meant for those dealing with GI tract inflammation or digestion problems that warrant a surgery or any other medical procedure. The diet provides hydration and the calories required to sustain a normal life for a short period of 3 to 5 days. But can being on a very low-calorie diet like this for a short time be good for you? Yes! Keep reading to find out why.
Why Clear Liquid Diet Is Good For You
The clear liquid diet might be good for you as it is very light on your digestive tract. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, IBS/IBD, ulcer, diverticulitis, colonoscopyi A medical exam where a camera is passed through the anus to look for changes like swollen tissues or cancer in the intestines. , or any surgery involving the digestive system calls for giving complete rest to the stomach and the GI tract. Hospitals give this diet to patients before their surgery. You will be on this diet only for a few days before you gradually reintroduce semi-solid and solid foods into your diet.
Clear Liquid Diet Foods List
Foods allowed in a clear liquid diet are (1):
Water Clear broth Fruit juices without pulp Vegetable juices without pulp Tea Gelatin Ice and ice chips Clear ice popsicle sticks Carbonated drinks Black coffee Sports drinks Hard candies
Scroll down for a simple chicken broth recipe you can make at home.
Clear Liquid Diet Recipe
1. Homemade Chicken Broth
Ingredients
1 whole chicken 10 cups of water 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 onion, quartered 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed Salt and pepper to taste
How To Prepare The food choices are limited, and depending on your medical condition, your nutritionist, physician, or dietitian may alter the above list. You will generally be on this diet for a maximum of 5 days. With that in mind, check out our sample menu plan for a clear liquid diet.
Clear Liquid Diet Sample Menu
Staying on a clear liquid diet is not going to be easy. But remember why your doctor has recommended it. Here’s the list of foods to avoid when on a clear liquid diet.
Foods To Avoid
Solid food High-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains Protein sources like meat and fish, eggs, lentils, soy, and soy products Dairy products like milk, yogurt (unless your doctor permits), and cheese Pulpy fruit juice Spicy food Fried food Processed and canned foods Soft drinks Alcoholic drinks
You cannot consume any solid or semi-solid foods, whether whole or processed/canned. You also need to keep a few other points in mind.
Other Things To Know
Let your dietitian know if you have diabetes. People with diabetes may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they go on a very low-calorie diet like the clear liquid diet. Avoid consuming a clear liquid diet with red or purple-colored liquids if you are going for a colonoscopy. Such liquids may hamper the imaging. Ask your doctor about red or purple clear liquids. Additionally, following a liquid diet might lead to a headache, nausea, and weakness prior to and after the procedure. Kate Bennet, a blogger, shared her experience following a clear liquid diet on the day of her colonoscopy. She ate easy-to-digest foods the days before to ease into the liquid diet. She made homemade jello and drank chicken broth on the day of the procedure. She adds, “Last time, I had to be at work for half the day, but this time around I was able to stay home and work on my blog, do a few things around the house, and relax. No headaches from having to stare at the computer. I also was able to sleep in so that left me with less time to be hungry (i)!”
The clear liquid diet may be beneficial for treating gut issues; however, it is not recommended for weight loss. Scroll down to understand why.
Why The Clear Liquid Diet Is Not Meant For Weight Loss
Many people who want to lose weight quickly prefer going on a clear liquid diet or a liquid diet to achieve their goals. But a clear liquid diet or any liquid diet is NOT recommended for weight loss. It is low in calories and lacks enough nutrients required for the normal functioning of the body and brain. Also, such a diet is unsustainable. It can cause nausea, mood swings, irritability, and increase hunger pangs. You will not adhere to the diet for long. You may also give in to the hunger and consume more calories. The clear liquid diet needs to be done under constant supervision of a healthcare professional. Is applesauce okay for a clear liquid diet? No, applesauce is semi-solid and unsuitable for a clear liquid diet. What soups are considered clear liquid? Clear strained soup, broth of chicken, veggies, seafood, and plain water-based transparent soups are all considered clear liquid. Do you still poop on a liquid diet? Yes, you do pass fecal matter during a liquid diet. However, a liquid diet can result in frequent loose stools due to a lack of solids. Is tomato soup a clear liquid? No, tomato soup is not a clear liquid due to its cloudy consistency. However, you may consider it if you are considering following liquid diets for weight loss. Is sherbet a clear liquid? No, sherbet is not considered a clear liquid as it is usually non-transparent. Is Chicken Noodle Soup a clear liquid diet? You may take strained chicken noodle soup on a clear liquid diet.
Illustration: Clear Liquid Diet – How It Works What To Eat & Foods To Avoid
Learn how to make the most of a clear liquid diet with this helpful video! Click on it now to get tips on what to eat, how to stay hydrated, and how to stay healthy.
