A clear liquid diet is often used before tests, procedures or surgeries that require no food in your stomach
or intestines, such as before colonoscopy. It may also be recommended as a short-term diet if you have certain
digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, or after certain types of surgery. Clear liquids are
easily digested and leave no undigested residue in your intestinal tract.
A diet of clear liquids helps maintain adequate hydration and provides some important minerals, such as sodium
and potassium. It also provides some energy. However, a clear liquid diet can't provide you with adequate
calories and nutrients and shouldn't be used for more than a few days without direct medical supervision.
Foods allowed
- Plain water
- Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice, grape juice or cranberry juice
- Broth (bouillon or consomme)
- Gelatin
- Popsicles without bits of fruit or fruit pulp
- Tea or coffee with no cream
Foods to avoid
Any foods not on the foods-allowed list. Gummy foods, such as gummy worms or gummy bears, aren't allowed
because they contain wax and other ingredients.
