Clear Liquid Diet

Athens GI - Water A diet of clear liquids maintains vital body fluids, salt, and minerals, and also provides some energy to patients when normal food intake must be interrupted. Clear liquids 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 usually the first diet given by mouth after surgery. Clear liquids are given when a person has been without food by mouth (NPO) for a long time. This diet is also used in preparation for colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and certain x-rays.

Nutrition Facts

A clear liquid diet is not adequate in calories and nutrients. It should not be used for more than five days unless high-protein gelatin or other low residue supplements are added.

Limitations

The physicians may limit certain liquids, depending on the patient's condition or the surgery or test being performed. Therefore, individual instruction should be strictly followed.

What Is Clear Liquid?

A good rule of thumb is anything you can see through. For example, apple juice is a clear liquid; milk is not. If unsure, check with your physician or registered dietitian.

After Surgery and Fasting

Should persistent abdominal cramps or discomfort occur with a clear liquid diet, the patient should notify the physician, nurse, or dietitian at once.

Preparing for a Medical Test

It is important that the clear liquid diet be followed exactly. Remember that the value of the examination will depend on having a thoroughly clean digestive tract.

Food Groups

	Milk and Milk Products
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	None		All
	Vegetables
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	None		All
	Fruits
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	Fruit juices without pulp		Nectars; all fresh, canned, and frozen fruit
	Bread and Grains
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	None		All
	Meats or Meat Substitutes
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	None		All
	Fats and Oils
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	None		All
	Sweets and Desserts
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	Gelatin, fruit ice, popsicle without pulp, clear hard candy		All others. Avoid red or orange popsicles or Jello.
	Beverages
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, lactose-free low-residue supplements if approved by physician		All others. Avoid red or orange Gatorade. Do not take milk or cream in coffee or tea.
	Soups
	*RECOMMEND*		*AVOID*
	Bouillon, consumme, fat-free broth		All others

Sample Clear Liquid Menu

	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner
	• strained fruit juice, 1 cup • gelatin, 1 cup • hot tea with sugar and lemon		• consomme, 1/2 cup • strained fruit juice, 1 cup • hot tea with sugar and lemon		• consomme, 1/2 cup • strained fruit juice, 1 cup • hot tea with sugar and lemon

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