What is a Clear Liquid Diet? Find Answers in this Article

Clear Liquid Diet

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What is a clear liquid diet?

It is a diet that consists only of clear liquids or foods that are clear liquid at room temperature. It is easily digested and reduces bowel residue. It is often used before certain medical tests and surgeries. It is also used after some surgeries while the bowels return to normal and for stomach related problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

A clear liquid diet provides fluids and electrolytes. It prevents dehydration and problems like hypokalemia (low potassium level, which can be a serious condition). It also provides the necessary nutrients for energy. However, it does not provide all nutrients or sufficient calories. Because of this, it should only be used for a limited time (normally no more than a couple of days).

What is allowed on a clear liquid diet?

Water, including plain, mineral, and bubbly.

Sports drinks like Gatorade (restores electrolytes and other nutrients).

Clear sodas such as ginger ale, 7-Up, and Sprite.

Juices such as apple, white grapefruit, cranberry, and lemonade. It must be pulp free and you should be able to see through the liquid. To make the juice more exciting, add some ice and blend to make a slushy.

Popsicles. Must not include pulp or fruit bits.

Coffee and tea without milk or creams. Adding honey to tea is acceptable.

Broth, including vegetable, chicken, and beef (chicken and beef offers some protein). Choose a low sodium broth.

Gelatin like Jell-O. Must be plain without added ingredients.

Hard candies.

What is not allowed on a clear liquid diet?

If you can not see through it (or you have to chew it), it is not allowed. This includes milk, ice cream, sherbert, prune juice, and vegetable juices.

Beverages containing alcohol.

If unsure, ask your health care provider.

What else should I know about a clear liquid diet?

If you take oral medications, you must check with your health care provider if whether or not you should take them while on a clear liquid diet.

Some herbal teas may not be acceptable. For instance, some may increase ones risk of bleeding which can be dangerous if having surgery or a medical test done. Consult with your health care provider.

Ginger Ale Recipe

Now that you know “what is a clear liquid diet” and “what is allowed”, you can try this simple and healthy recipe to make your own ginger ale:

Add one teaspoon of fresh (thinly sliced) ginger root and one teaspoon of red raspberry leaves to three cups of water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, simmer for five minutes, remove, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and add one cup of carbonated water. Add a slice of lemon right before serving.

Sources Used

Drug Information Online: Clear Liquid Diet - https://www.drugs.com/cg/clear-liquid-diet.html

Mayo Clinic: Clear liquid diet - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/clear-liquid-diet/my00742

Stanford Medicine: Clear Liquid Diet Guidelines - https://cancer.stanford.edu/patient_care/services/surgery/colorectal/clearLiquidDiet.html

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stilles_Mineralwasser.jpg