Liquid diet

A clear or full liquid diet is often prescribed for gastrointestinal illness or before or after certain types of surgery involving the mouth or for the intestines.

Types of liquid diet

Clear liquid diet

A clear liquid diet consists of transparent liquid foods such as vegetable broth, bouillon (excepting any particulate dregs), clear fruit juices, clear fruit ices, clear gelatin desserts, and no carbonated drinks aside from lemon-lime or seltzer. The colors red and purple are strongly discouraged as they can be mistaken for blood during a colonoscopy.

Full liquid diet

A full or strained liquid diet consists of both clear and opaque liquid foods with a smooth consistency, and not of red or purple color. It includes milk, milkshakes, cocoa, coffee, teas, ice cream without chunks of fruit, smooth plain milk or dark chocolate (allowed to melt in the mouth), custards, gelatins and puddings absent of coconut or other inclusions or toppings, strained cream soups, fruit nectar with or without pulp, coconut water or coconut milk without pulp or bits of coconut flesh, smooth cooked cereal such as cream of wheat (oatmeal is best avoided), butter, and honey. Water may be consumed as thirst suggests, but is wholly non-nutritive unless it is "vitamin" water. This liquid diet is unsuited for any extended period. Some doctors may allow certain components of a "soft" diet, such as sour cream, cottage cheese, ricotta or yogurt.