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Information About Liquid Diets

Liquid diets are diets which include only liquid meals. Every meal in a liquid diet is pureed or mashed into a thin fluid form that does not need any chewing before it is swallowed. If you have been put on a liquid diet, it is likely that you are under a medically supervised weight loss program or are being treated for another medical condition.

  1. Liquid Diet for Ailments

    • Liquid diets are prescribed to people with chewing and swallowing problems. The diet permits only liquids like milk, water and thin, strained purees. The intake needs to be monitored to include as many nutrients as possible. Usually, fiber and hydration is all that the body gets from liquid diets. Hence, it cannot be followed for prolonged periods of time. Those suffering from vomiting, diarrhea and severe acidity also require liquid diets to help relax sore stomach tissues and provide essential hydration.

    Liquid Diet for Diagnostic and Surgical Needs

    • Certain diagnostic tests, like colonoscopies, require the patient to be on a liquid diet prior to the test. After surgery of the gastrointestinal tract, patients are required to follow a liquid diet. Most often, a clear liquid diet is prescribed. A clear liquid diet includes fluids like water, stock or broth, and plain gelatin. These liquids are easily digested and do not leave residue in the intestines after digestion.

    Liquid Diet for Weight Loss

    • Medically supervised weight-loss plans include special meal replacements that ensure an intake of up to 800 calories. The diet includes monitored intake of water, soups and strained purees that can be easily prepared. This is recommended only for dangerously obese people who need to shed weight quickly. Meal replacement supplements are also available commercially. These supplements permit one or two solid meals a day. However, do not use such diet supplements without consulting your physician.

    Liquid Diets for Detoxification

    • Detox diets include plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juices. These liquids help to purge the stomach and gastrointestinal system of toxins. Detoxification also recommends abstinence from toxic intakes, such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, and fried, fatty and sweet foods.

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