Examples of a Clear-Liquid Diet

A clear-liquid diet prevents residue from building up in your digestive tract and is often prescribed before certain medical procedures. Clear-liquid diets maintain your body’s electrolytes and sugars while leaving your digestive tract free of food. This type of diet is not intended to be followed for an extended period of time (more than a few days) because it does not include enough calories and nutrients to allow a body to stay healthy.

Foods

• A clear-liquid diet consists of the following foods: water, fruit juices without pulp, clear sodas, plain gelatin, broth, honey, tea, black coffee, and ice pops without pulp. For certain tests (like barium enemas and colon exams), you should avoid any foods with red coloring. Avoid all other foods. Mix and match these foods to taste.

Benefits

• Clear liquids are easy for the body to absorb and help patients to maintain strength and energy during periods of interrupted eating. After abdominal surgery, the digestive tract may be unable to handle solid foods or foods with artificial dyes. Eating these foods after surgery often results in pain, infection or slower healing. Additionally, dehydration and a lack of carbohydrates slows recovery. A clear-liquid diet is ideal for promoting recovery without irritating damaged tissue.

Resuming a Normal Diet

• After a clear-liquid diet, re-acclimating the body to a normal diet takes time. Avoid oil, butter or anything spicy for the first 24 hours. Begin with starchy foods such as crackers, pasta, rice and bread. Avoid dairy products for at least a week. During a clear-liquid diet, the stomach and intestines stop producing lactase, the enzyme that digests dairy sugars. You may experience a temporary lactose intolerance.