Madeleine Hull
A clear liquid diet consists of exclusively clear liquids and is often prescribed as part of a treatment or preparation for surgery. Doctors recommend this diet to patients ahead of medical procedures involving the digestive tract, such as colonoscopies, to relieve distress from digestive problems, or to help clear the digestive tract before a procedure. This diet is extremely low in calories and nutrients and should not be followed for more than a few days. So, what can you drink?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Often used in preparation for surgery and lower endoscopy procedures |
| Food Type | Only clear liquids and foods that are clear fluids at room temperature |
| Examples | Soft drinks (soda), clear juices (no pulp), bone broth, Ensure Clear |
| Duration | Should not be used for more than a few days due to low calorie and nutrient content |
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What You'll Learn
Clear soft drinks, e.g. Sprite, 7-Up, ginger ale
A clear liquid diet is often prescribed as part of a treatment plan or as preparation for surgery or medical procedures, especially those involving the digestive tract, such as colonoscopies or endoscopies. This is because liquids are easily digested and help to clear the intestinal tract.
Clear soft drinks are permitted as part of a clear liquid diet. This includes drinks like Sprite, 7-Up, and ginger ale, as well as other sodas like Coke, Pepsi, root beer, cream soda, and Dr. Pepper. These drinks are carbonated, sugary, and usually calorie-dense, so they may provide a welcome energy boost, especially if you are on a clear liquid diet for a prolonged period.
However, it is important to note that the clear liquid diet is already extremely low in calories and nutrients, so it is important to choose the most nutritious options available to you. For example, you could opt for a premade nutritional drink or bone broth, which is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and protein.
If you are on a clear liquid diet before a colonoscopy, it is important to avoid liquids that are red or purple, as these can interfere with test imaging. Always follow your doctor's instructions when on a clear liquid diet or any other diet plan.
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Clear juices, e.g. apple, cranberry
Clear juices, such as apple, cranberry, grape, and products like Snapple and Pom, are suitable for a clear liquid diet. Clear juice is any juice that does not contain any pulp. This is important because a clear liquid diet consists only of clear liquids and foods that are clear and liquid at room temperature.
This diet is often used in preparation for surgery, lower endoscopy procedures, or other procedures involving the digestive tract, such as colonoscopies. It is also recommended to help relieve distress from digestive problems like Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and diarrhea. Clear liquid diets are easy to digest and help clean the body's intestinal tract.
If you are prescribed a clear liquid diet, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and only remain on the diet for as long as they advise. This diet is extremely low in calories and nutrients and should not be followed for more than a few days.
While on a clear liquid diet, it is best to choose the most nutritious options available. For example, if you are drinking broth, bone broth is a good option as it is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and protein.
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Broth, e.g. bone broth
A clear liquid diet is often used in preparation for surgery and lower endoscopy procedures. It consists of consuming only clear liquids and foods that are clear fluids at room temperature. Broths are a great option for a clear liquid diet.
Broth, especially bone broth, has gained popularity in recent years, with some chefs even selling cups of broth to-go. To make bone broth at home, you'll need to simmer bones for several hours, or even overnight. The collagen in bones, especially joints, knuckles, and chicken wings, will cause the broth to gel when refrigerated. You can also add chicken feet for extra collagen.
When making broth, it's important not to stir, as this will make the broth cloudy. Additionally, avoid adding salt, as the stock will reduce and the salt will concentrate, making it overly salty. While you can use a pressure cooker to make broth, it will only produce a small amount. For larger batches, a slow cooker is recommended.
If you're making broth in preparation for a medical procedure, be sure to follow any specific instructions or limitations provided by your doctor.
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Premade nutritional drinks, e.g. Ensure Clear
A clear liquid diet consists of clear fluids and foods that are clear fluids at room temperature. Premade nutritional drinks, such as Ensure Clear, are suitable for a clear liquid diet. Ensure Clear is a refreshing, fat-free, fruit-flavoured nutritional drink. It is ideal for those who prefer a fruity alternative to creamy, shake-like supplements.
Ensure Clear provides complete, balanced nutrition in a light, easy-to-drink form. Each 10 fl oz bottle contains 8 grams of high-quality protein to support muscle health and energy, as well as 15 essential vitamins and minerals to help fill nutritional gaps. It is also gluten-free, halal, kosher, and suitable for lactose intolerance.
The drink is available in a Mixed Fruit flavour, described as a "delicious fruit-punch like drink" by some customers. It is important to note that Ensure Clear does contain artificial colouring (Red #40) and is high in sugar.
Ensure Clear is available in packs of 4 or 12 bottles from retailers such as Amazon and CVS Pharmacy, with free shipping offered on eligible orders. It is recommended that you refer to the product label or packaging for the most current ingredients, allergen, and nutrient profile information.
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Water
The clear liquid diet consists of clear liquids and foods that become clear liquids at room temperature. Water is a key component of this diet, as it provides essential hydration and can help to clear out the digestive system. It is easily absorbed by the body and does not trigger further stomach upset.
On a clear liquid diet, water can be consumed in its plain form, or as clear, non-fat broths. These broths provide some flavour and a small amount of energy, while still being easily digestible and providing hydration.
It is important to note that a clear liquid diet is not nutritionally adequate for more than a few days. It is designed to provide minimal effort for the digestive system, and so it lacks nutrition and often contains empty calories from refined sugar. For this reason, it is important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional when undertaking a clear liquid diet, and to progress to a full liquid or soft diet as soon as possible to prevent malnutrition.
In summary, water is a vital component of a clear liquid diet, providing hydration and aiding the digestive process, but it should only be relied upon for a short period, as part of a medically supervised plan.
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Frequently asked questions
A clear liquid diet consists of only clear liquids and foods that are clear liquids at room temperature. No solid foods are allowed.
Doctors prescribe clear liquid diets before certain medical procedures involving the digestive tract, such as colonoscopies, endoscopies, and surgeries. It is also recommended to help relieve distress from some digestive problems, such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and diarrhea.
Clear liquids that can be consumed include clear juices (no pulp) like apple, grape, and cranberry, and soft drinks like Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, and ginger ale.
Yes, if you are prescribed a clear liquid diet before a colonoscopy, avoid liquids that are red or purple as they can interfere with the test imaging.
The clear liquid diet is extremely low in calories and nutrients, so it should not be followed for more than a few days. It is important to choose the most nutritious options, such as bone broth, and always follow your doctor's instructions.
