Clear Liquid Diet
Patients will be required to be on a clear liquid diet by doctors for two reasons:
- digestive problems
- by way of preparation for surgery or a medical procedure
Prior to undergoing a colonoscopy procedure, a patient will be required to go on a clear liquid diet to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. This will enable the doctor to have a clear view of the internal section of the intestines, particularly the colon and the rectum.
The doctor will give the patient specific instructions on what types of liquid can be taken and set a menu for the patient for the day / days when he / she need to go on this diet.
What Liquids are Good for a Clear Liquid Diet?
Clear liquid does not necessarily mean that you are restricted to water and broths. The patient can take colored liquids provided that he / she can see through them. These clear liquids should preferrably not be stained with the colors, red and purple.
The following liquids apart from water, will come under the clear liquids that can be consumed before a colonoscopy procedure:
- The patient may take soda as long as it is clear.
- Coffee and tea are likewise acceptable as long as the patient does not put any creamer or milk in it.
- Fruit juices are also acceptable, as long as there are no pulps in them.
- Sports drinks are also acceptable.
Sometimes, the patient will be required to go on this diet for just one day, while at other times it can last up to three days. The number of days depends on the doctor’s discretion.
The next step to do is to plan the patient’s menu for the days when he / she will have to be on this diet.
Sample Menu
Let us look at the following sample menu that can be followed before undergoing a colonoscopy procedure.
Breakfast
For breakfast, the patient can have:
- coffee, tea or fruit juice
- a glass of water
- one soup bowl of broth
- clear, soft gelatin
Morning Snack
For morning snack, the patient can have:
- coffee, tea or fruit juice
- clear, soft gelatin
The patient must bear in mind that if he / she has already taken coffee or tea for breakfast, he / she should take fruit juice for the morning snack or vice versa.
Lunch
For lunch, the patient can have:
- glass of fruit juice
- water
- one soup bowl of broth
- gelatin
Afternoon Snack
For afternoon snack, the patient can have:
- popsicles without fruit pulps
- clear soda or sports drink
Dinner
Dinner can be similar to breakfast and lunch, alternating between a glass of fruit juice and a cup of tea or coffee.
The patient must bear in mind that this diet is only in preparation for the colonoscopy procedure or to help his / her digestive tract to get working again properly. This diet is not intended as a full, regular diet.