Clear Liquid Diet Foods

Clear liquid diet is a diet before or post surgery that consists of clear, transparent liquid for easy digestion, without leaving any residue in the intestinal tract. Clear liquid diet foods are often mistaken as only a weight loss food, instead of prescribed diet foods before or after surgery. The purpose behind giving clear fluid is to minimize or prevent the feeling of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea before or after a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or bariatric surgery. This diet is also recommended in certain X-rays and MRIs, where images of a clear digestive tract are needed. Usually these diets are also recommended for just one or two days in order to avoid dehydration and to provide necessary electrolytes to the body. They are, after a day or two, followed by full liquid diet foods, soft solid diet foods, and solid diet foods as per the doctor's recommendation.

Difference Between Clear Liquid and Full Liquid Diet Foods

The literal difference between the two, as the name suggests, is just transparency. These foods are recommended immediately before or after a test or surgery, but full liquid diet foods can be taken only after the patient successfully completes the clear liquid diet stage. Clear liquid diet only allows food that are see-through, but in full liquid diet, all types of liquid food including milk and vegetable juices can be taken if kept at room temperature. These foods are low in nutrition and easy on the stomach, so it is given just for a few days. But full liquid diets consist of more nutritious liquid foods and sometimes recommended up to one month.

List of Clear Liquid Diet Foods

It is important to follow a clear liquid diet before surgery and after surgery, to avoid any side effects and complications related to the surgery. As the name clear liquid suggests, we are often at loss while choosing foods during this diet. So, this is a clear liquid diet food list, divided into three categories:

Soups

• Clear broth without fat (chicken or beef)
• Bouillon
• Consomme without fat

Beverages

• Water (plain, mineral or sparkling)
• Juices without pulp
• Lemonade (only strained)
• Coffee and tea without milk or cream
• Soft drinks (only clear sodas)
• Energy drinks
• Supplement drinks (lactose free)

Sweets

• Clear gelatin
• Honey
• Popsicles
• Ice pops without fruit pulp
• Clear hard candy

Clear Liquid Diet Foods for Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a minor procedure of viewing inside the colon and rectum. This procedure is carried out to diagnose any diseases related to unexplained weight loss, bowel habits, abdominal pain, etc. Though simple, a colonoscopy procedure needs precise preparation for its success. The process is termed as bowel prep, where a clear liquid diet is followed for 1-3 days prior to the procedure, for removing any solids from the digestive tract. Any food containing red or purple dye are forbidden in this diet. Some foods recommended in the clear liquid diet for colonoscopy are:

• Water
• Gelatin
• Tea and coffee without milk and cream
• Fruit juice without pulp
• Broth without fat
• Clear sodas

Foods to be Avoided in Clear Liquid Diet

These foods should be strictly avoided during the clear liquid diet stage:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Milk and cream
• Vegetable juices
• Chocolate drinks
• Juices and smoothies with pulp

It is important to follow few clear liquid diet ideas for achieving the desired results. It is also very important to consult a doctor before beginning this plan. Some liquids would be limited as per the condition, surgery or test, so it is always advisable to follow the instructions. The second most important idea is to adhere to clear liquid diet foods, only for the time period recommended by the doctor. Some might be tempted to try it for a longer time as a weight loss diet, but it lacks necessary nutrients and fiber needed by the body. Avoiding risks is another great idea, so only foods allowed during the clear liquid diet should be taken. Only the type of food to be taken is restricted, not the quantity. So consulting the doctor minimizes the risk. And the final idea is to bring variety in flavors and avoid repetition, to make the limited list of clear liquid diet foods palatable as well as interesting.