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Clear Liquid Diet

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A clear liquid diet is a diet consisting of foods and beverages made from liquids that you can see through. This type of diet is easily digested and leaves no residue in the gastrointestinal tract.
In the past, a clear liquid diet was routinely prescribed for hospitalized patients, often for several days. These days, though, it is generally avoided, unless absolutely necessary. A clear liquid diet may be necessary when the gastrointestinal tract needs to be free of food or needs to rest, for instance:
Although this diet allows for adequate hydration, it does not provide enough calories and nutrients. Therefore, be sure your doctor is following you closely while you are on this diet. Also, do not stay on this diet for more than a few days.

Foods Allowed

  • Water
  • Tea or coffee (without cream)
  • Juices without pulp such as apple, grape, cranberry, prune, lemonade
  • Clear liquid supplements such as Boost Fruit Flavored Beverage or Enlive
  • Soda
  • Clear broth or bouillon
  • Gelatin, without bits of fruit
  • Popsicles, without fruit or cream
  • Italian ice
Sugar, salt, and pepper are also allowed.

Foods to Avoid

Any foods not on the above list, including:
  • Milk
  • Cream
  • Orange juice
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Tomato juice
  • Smoothies
  • Milk shakes
  • Soup
  • Oatmeal
  • Cream of Wheat

RESOURCES

American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Dietitians of Canada http://www.dietitians.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/index-eng.php

References

Clear liquid diet. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Available at: http://nutritioncaremanual.org/vault/editor/Docs/Clear%20Liquid%20Diet.pdf. Accessed February 13, 2013.

Colonoscopy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated January 15, 2013. Accessed February 13, 2013.

Jackson F. Clear liquid diet. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. Available at: https://gicare.com/diets/clear-liquid-diet/. Accessed February 13, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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