![How to Follow a Clear Liquid Diet for Colonoscopy](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/morning-coffee-tea.jpg?output-quality=75)
Clear liquids are easily digested and leave no residue in the digestive tract, which is why a clear liquid diet is recommended before certain medical procedures such as a colonoscopy.
Here is everything you need to know about following a clear liquid diet.
What is a clear liquid diet?
A clear liquid diet is fairly straightforward:
- Consists of exclusively clear liquids
- Colored liquids are acceptable if you can see through them
- Foods that are liquid or partly liquid at room temperature are acceptable
- Any type of solid food should be avoided
When is a clear liquid diet recommended?
A clear liquid diet is often prescribed before medical procedures that involve the digestive tract. Other reasons why a clear liquid diet may be recommended are to:
- Empty the digestive tract before a surgical procedure or imaging test
- Allow the digestive system to rest and recover from severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as inflammation, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Provide nutrition after surgery to allow organs to rest (the diet puts minimal stress on the digestive system and provides hydration, some minerals, electrolytes, and energy before and after medical procedures)
Clear liquid diets should never be used for weight loss. A clear liquid diet may have carbohydrates but lacks other nutrients, such as protein and fats.
What clear liquids are allowed before a colonoscopy?
Clear liquids that are acceptable the day before a colonoscopy include:
- Water
- Fruit or vegetable juice (strained, without added sugar or milk)
- Ginger ale
- Club soda
- Black coffee and tea
- Sports drinks with electrolytes
- Apple juice
- Honey
- Flavored gelatin
- Clear broth
- Carbonated drinks
- Jell-O
- Popsicles
- Lemonade without pulp
Liquids that should be avoided include:
- Milkshakes
- Coffee with cream or milk
- Pineapple juice
- Orange juice
- Alcohol
What does a typical day on a clear liquid diet look like?
Breakfast
- Cup of coffee or tea without dairy
- Cup of pulp-free fruit juice
- Bowl of gelatin
- Sugar or honey
Snack
- Cup of strained fruit juice
- Bowl of gelatin
Lunch
- Cup of broth
- Bowl of gelatin
- Cup of strained fruit juice
- Glass of water
Snack
- Cup of coffee or tea without dairy
- Pulp-free ice pop
- Sugar or honey
Dinner
- Cup of pulp-free juice or water
- Cup of broth
- Bowl of gelatin
- Sugar or honey
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think-s1-bulletproof-coffee.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowWhat are the benefits of a clear liquid diet?
- Promotes healing: Gives your digestive tract time to rest and heal.
- Relieves inflammation: May help relieve inflammation associated with pancreatitis, gastritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Clears out the colon: Helps clear out stools in the colon, which can result in inflammation associated with diverticulitis.
- Helps with hydration: Help replenish lost water and electrolytes without triggering further digestive problems.
What are the risks associated with a clear liquid diet?
- Malnutrition: Due to low nutrient content, prolonged use of a clear liquid diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies, causing extreme fatigue and dizziness.
- Blood sugar spikes: People with diabetes should exercise when on a clear liquid diet and do it under the supervision of a doctor. Special considerations include finding sugar-free alternatives to some liquids, adjusting diabetes medications, and monitoring blood sugar levels at regular intervals.
- Swallowing problems: If you have dysphagia, ask your doctor about adding thickeners or other methods to help you swallow liquids more easily.
What precautions to follow while on a clear liquid diet
- Discontinue the diet or contact your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe weakness
- Never consume drinks with red or purple coloring because it may interfere with imaging tests
- Never follow this diet for more than a few days
- Follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid any adverse effects
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Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Clear Liquid Diet. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21764-clear-liquid-diet
Clear Liquid Diet. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/clear-liquid-diet/art-20048505
Clear Liquid Diet. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000205.htm
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Sodium acid phosphate is a medication used to clear the bowels before a colonoscopy procedure. Common side effects of sodium acid phosphate include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, mucosal bleeding, mucosal ulceration in the colon, canker sores (aphthous stomatitis), headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (syncope), electrolyte disturbances in the blood, and others. Use with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women.Virtual Colonoscopy
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