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If you’re following a clear liquid diet plan at home for either non-medical reasons or in the days leading up to a medical procedure, planning ahead can help ensure you’re prepared on the day you start. Plan a healthy, balanced, and filling meal to consume before you start the diet. If your doctor prescribes a clear liquid diet, follow it precisely, but only for however long they recommend. If the duration must be extended, a physician may supplement a patient’s clear liquid diet with high-protein gelatin. While a clear liquid diet can provide a limited number of calories and nutrients, it is not sustainable and would result in malnutrition after a certain amount of time, as the body requires adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to thrive. Unless otherwise directed by a physician, clear liquid diets should be followed for a maximum of five days, though it’s more commonly prescribed for only one to three days.
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Alcohol must be completely avoided, without exception. This is particularly important for individuals scheduled for colonoscopies, as the coloring may cover the inside of the colon, leading to inaccurate test results. While certain colored or flavored beverages may be allowed on this diet, gelatin or liquids colored with red or purple dye should be avoided. However, it’s best to avoid solid food, dairy products, and soft foods such as applesauce when following a clear liquid diet. Specific food and beverages permitted or not may vary slightly depending on a person’s medical or dietary needs, and why they are required to follow this particular diet. If you are going to be doing a clear liquid diet, your doctor or dietician should provide a specific list of what you are permitted to consume.
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A clear liquid diet should ensure that the liquids provide adequate hydration and electrolytes during periods of limited calorie intake.
Clear liquid diet foods full#
Clear liquid diets differ from liquid diets in that full liquid diets allow non-clear beverages such as milk.
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