A clear liquid diet consists of transparent liquid foods, and does not contain any solid particulates. This includes vegetable broth, bouillon (excepting any particulate dregs), clear fruit juices, clear fruit ices, clear gelatin desserts, and certain carbonated drinks such as ginger-ale and seltzer water.
Patients that need clear fluid diets
Clear fluid diet is often given to patients before tests, procedures or surgeries that require no food in your stomach or intestines, such as before colonoscopy (test to look at the inner lining of the large intestine), sigmoidoscopy (procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum) or certain x-rays. It may also be recommended as a short-term diet for patients who have certain digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, after certain types of surgery or for patient who have trouble eating solid foods.
Reasons for giving clear fluid diets
A diet of clear fluid maintains vital body fluids, salts, and minerals; and also gives some energy for patients when normal food intake must be interrupted for medical reasons. Clear fluid diets are easily digested and do not put any strain on the stomach or intestines. They also help to keep the digestive tract empty and they are easily absorbed by the body. They reduce stimulation of the digestive system, and leave no residue in the intestinal tract. This is why a clear liquid diet is often prescribed in preparation for surgery, and is generally the first diet given by mouth after surgery.
It is necessary to note that since the clear fluid diet is just maintains vital body fluids, salts, and minerals; and also gives some energy for patients when normal food intake must be interrupted for medical and does not provide all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, or calories that the body needs, it should not be continued for more than a few days. Normal feeding should be gradually re-introduced as soon as the patient condition show signs of improvement.
