A clear liquid diet means that a person consumes only liquids such as water, tea, broth, etc. instead of solid foods. For many people, this is a permanent measure and not a long-term dietary strategy. The liquid diet is recommended by experts before surgery or after surgical procedures that affect the oral cavity, such as dental surgery.
This diet consists entirely of liquids that are transparent at room temperature. The liquids can be colored but must be in a transparent form. This does not include liquids such as milk and orange juice. Clear liquids contain mainly carbohydrates, which your digestive system breaks down. This type of diet is low in protein and fat. This diet reduces stimulation of the stomach and intestines and allows the digestive system to rest.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in adults. A colonoscopy is performed by a specialist to diagnose this type of cancer. For a successful colonoscopy it is very important that the intestines are free of undigested food and feces, so the specialist may recommend a clear liquid diet for a few days before the colonoscopy.
During general anesthesia, vomiting occurs and the vomited food can enter the respiratory tract and cause suffocation. Therefore, a clear liquid diet before surgery reduces the risk.
What is the purpose of a clear liquid diet?
Theclear liquid diet is not a type of diet that you should follow on your own. A specialist can prescribe it under certain conditions to ensure the benefits of a liquid diet;
- It may be recommended before a medical test such as an endoscopy. This allows the specialist to diagnose any residual deficiency associated with the diet.
- It is recommended before a proposed surgery for your intestines.
- It can be done in cases of uncontrollable nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- In cases of acute pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas
- It is applied to minimize gastric stimulation and nausea after abdominal surgery.
- It is applied in cases of diverticulosis to reduce the mass of feces in the colon.
- It is prescribed for stomach or intestinal disorders. Such a diet prevents digestion from becoming difficult while providing some energy, nutrients and fluids. It allows the intestines to rest and heal.
What are the Clear Liquid Diet Foods?
It is necessary to maintain the requirements determined according to the state of health and the procedure prescribed by the doctor. Therefore, fluid and energy requirements must be met appropriately. Some of the liquids allowed in this diet include
- Water
- Ice
- Some clear fruit juices without pulp
- Energy and sports drinks
- Carbonated drinks
- Clean broth
- Coffee without milk or cream
- Tea without milk or cream
For example, grape juice can be consumed because it is pigmented but transparent. However, before the colonoscopy, the specialist may advise against drinking red or purple colored drinks. Depending on the clinical situation, the specialist may also recommend honey and hard candies.
How to follow the clear liquid diet?
The specialist will inform you in detail when recommending the clear liquid diet. It is important to follow these recommendations exactly. You need to write down the list of allowed liquids. You can add a few for each meal. If you are at home, it is harmful to follow this diet for more than 5 days.
Within 24 hours, you should collect the liquids you have consumed. Normally, the water in your food provides most of your fluid needs. The clear liquid diet is important to meet your fluid needs. You should watch out for dark yellow urine and infrequent urination, these are signs of dehydration.
If you have diabetes, you should inform the gastroenterologist who prescribes the clear liquid diet. This diet can also be supported by a dietitian. To keep your blood sugar levels under control, you need to eat 200 grams of carbohydrates throughout the day. You should monitor your blood sugar levels frequently.