Suggestions for a Clear Liquid Diet

Clear liquid diets are used when a minimal amount of gastrointestinal stimulation is desired. This may include pre-operative or post-operative periods when the gut must be emptied or rested, or cases of intractable nausea. The definition of a "clear liquid" is a fluid that is liquid at room temperature and is at least partially transparent. Light and shapes should be visible through a glass of a clear liquid when held up to view.

Acceptable Foods

All beverages do not count as clear liquids, and all clear liquids are not beverages. Apple juice, grape juice, fruit punch (including diet or regular powdered fruit beverages), ginger ale (as well as other light sodas) and water are examples of clear liquids. Tomato juice and milk are not. Allowing coffee and/or tea is generally up to the physician's discretion. Gelatin dessert and Popsicles are also classified as a clear liquids because at room temperature they are clear and in liquid form.

Making the Diet Palatable

The clear liquid diet can be more than a series of drinks. Other fluids which are clear include broth, gelatin dessert and Popsicles. Broth must be clear without bits, and gelatin dessert must be plain without fruit. The gelatin can be regular or sugar-free.
Attempts should be made to enjoy the diet as a meal and with other family members dining at a table. For example, apple juice can be served as an appetizer, broth as an entre, gelatin as a side dish and a Popsicle as dessert.

Preventing Taste Fatigue

Maintaining various flavors of broth, gelatin dessert, soda and Popsicles can make the diet more interesting, especially when it must be maintained over a period of days. The total amount of liquid is not generally restricted: liquids can be consumed at liberty throughout the day. Soda is acceptable in orange, strawberry, grape, lemon-lime and ginger ale flavors. Popsicles are often packaged in boxes that include multiple fruit flavors. Children's boxed juice drinks are usually clear fluids and provide more taste varieties, such as "berry blast" and "kiwi-strawberry."

Liquids to be Avoided

Any liquids with pulp, bits of fruit or vegetables, cream or other pieces are strictly prohibited on the clear liquid diet. This diet does not allow ice cream, Fudgesicles, pudding or cream soups. Even though these fluids are liquid at room temperature, they do not meet the definition of "clear," as light does not pass through them. They may cause over-stimulation of the GI tract.

Long-Term Diet

The clear liquid diet is not nutritionally complete and is not appropriate to sustain a person's health for longer than seven days. After one week, if the diet cannot be advanced to the next stage (full liquids), it should be supplemented. Vitamins can be provided, protein can be added in powder form, and an easily digested form of fat (called medium chain triglyceride oil) can be added to provide needed nutrients and extra calories. If the bowel is unable to tolerate a more advanced diet, intravenous nutrition can also be used to supplement oral clear liquids.