Why You May Need a Clear Liquid Diet
by Carolyn Stevens

If you are preparing to have a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or certain types of x-rays, your intestines will need to be as empty as possible. The clear liquid diet allows your body to stay hydrated. Furthermore, this diet does not leave much residue in your intestines. There are a few items to consider while on this particular clear liquid diet.

There may come a time in your life when your doctor may need to put you on a three-day clear liquid diet. If you are preparing to have a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or certain types of x-rays, your intestines will need to be as empty as possible. You may also need to be placed on this clear liquid diet if you have not been able to eat solid foods after having surgery several days prior.

Whatever the need is for a clear liquid diet, there is a purpose, or reason, for your doctor to prescribe it to you. The clear liquid diet allows your body to stay hydrated. Furthermore, this diet does not leave much residue in your intestines.

There are a few items to consider while on this particular clear liquid diet. Below are listed three of these considerations.

* Call your doctor if you experience pain of cramps in your abdomen.

* The diet should not be used for than 3-5 days. It does not contain the proper nutrition for any period of time longer than that.

* Follow your doctor’s advice on how much liquid you need to have. If your doctor sets a designated amount of liquids per day, do not go over that.

Clear liquids are those liquids you can see through at room temperature.

Here are some examples of clear liquids that may help you get started.

* Clear fruit juices with no pulp - Juices such as apple, grape or cranberry juice

* Clear broth, bouillon and fat free consommé

* Clear coffee, tea, Kool-Aid, soda, water

* Fruit ices without the fruit, plain gelatin, clear hard candy, and popsicles made from clear juices.

You will need to avoid these items:

* Fruits and nectars

* Cream soups or soups with food items

* Vegetables

* Milk and dairy products

* Any kind of grains, meats, etc

If you are put on this clear liquid diet in preparation for surgery or a procedure, it is wise to follow the doctor’s orders. If you choose not to, you may find yourself in need of rescheduling and going through the process again.

The full liquid diet

The full liquid diet is not to be confused with the clear liquid diet. A full liquid diet is used as a transition between the clear liquid diet and sold foods.

The full liquid diet does have the calories and protein you body needs, whereas, the clear liquid diet does not.

On this diet, you are able to eat or drink the following:

* Fruit and vegetable juices

* Milk and milkshakes

* Custard pudding, ice cream, gelatin

* Creamed hot cereals

* Other liquid flavorings, honey, syrup, etc.

Your doctor may also want to add some supplements to increase your protein and calorie intake.

It is important to eat a variety of these liquid foods. Your doctor may give you some suggestions on how to accomplish this.

Whether you are put on a clear liquid diet or a full liquid diet, you will always need to follow the advice of your doctor.