A diet of clear liquids maintains vital body fluids, salt, and minerals, and also provides some energy to 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 usually 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 colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and 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.

Limitations
The physicians may limit certain liquids, depending on the patient's condition or the surgery or test being performed. Therefore, individual instruction should be strictly followed.

What Is 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 your physician or registered dietition.

After Surgery and Fasting
Should persistent abdominal cramps or discomfort occur with a clear liquid diet, the patient should notify the physician, nurse, or dietitian at once.

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 having a thoroughly clean digestive tract.

Food Groups

	Milk and Milk Products
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	None		All
	Vegetables
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	None		All
	Fruits
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	Fruit juices without pulp		Nectars; all fresh, canned, and frozen fruit
	Bread and Grains
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	None		All
	Meats or Meat Substitutes
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	None		All
	Fats and Oils
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	None		All
	Sweets and Desserts
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	Gelatin, fruit ice, popsicle without pulp, clear hard candy		All others. Avoid red or orange popsicles or Jello.
	Beverages
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, lactose-free low-residue supplements if approved by physician		All others. Avoid red or orange Gatorade. Do not take milk or cream in coffee or tea.
	Soups
	RECOMMEND		AVOID
	Bouillon, consumme, fat-free broth		All others

Sample Clear Liquid Menu

	Breakfast		Lunch		Dinner
	• strained fruit juice, 1 cup • gelatin, 1 cup • hot tea with sugar and lemon		• consomme, 1/2 cup • strained fruit juice, 1 cup • hot tea with sugar and lemon		• consomme, 1/2 cup • strained fruit juice, 1 cup • hot tea with sugar and lemon

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