Clear Liquid Diet Guidelines

A diet of clear liquids maintains vital body fluids, salts and minerals. It also gives some energy for patients when normal food intake must be interrupted. Clear liquids are easily absorbed by the body. They reduce stimulation of the digestive system, and leave no residue in the intestinal tract. This is why a clear liquid diet is often prescribed in preparation for surgery, and is generally the first diet given by mouth after surgery. Clear liquids are given when a person has been without food by mouth (NPO) for a long time. This diet is also used in preparation for medical tests such as sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or certain x-rays.

Nutrition Facts

A clear liquid diet is not adequate in calories and nutrients. It should not be used for more than five days unless high-protein gelatin or other low-residue supplements are added.

Special Considerations

• Limitations: The physician may limit certain liquids, depending on your condition, or the surgery or test being performed. Therefore, individual instructions should be strictly followed.
• What is a Clear Liquid? A good rule of thumb is anything you can see through. For example, apple juice is a clear liquid, milk is not. If unsure, check with the physician or registered dietitian.
• After Surgery and Fasting: Should persistent abdominal cramps or discomfort occur with a clear liquid diet, you should notify the physician, nurse or a dietitian immediately.
• Preparing for a Medical Test: It is important that the clear liquid diet be followed exactly. Remember that the value of the examination will depend on getting a thoroughly clean digestive tract.

Food Groups

Sample Menu

This sample diet provides the following:

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 6 gm
• Carbohydrates: 609 gm
• Fat: Virtually None
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Potassium: 1440 mg