Liquid Diet: Justification, Permitted Food and General Considerations

This diet includes only foods that do not contain solid elements; it is not recommended to lose weight.

But it is made as therapy for specific pathological conditions and helps relieve some symptoms.

Justification of the liquid diet

It is difficult to obtain the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the organism when a liquid diet is being followed, so this diet should be followed only under medical supervision.

Several health conditions justify a liquid diet, such as:

Crohn’s disease

People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis have a condition where their bowels tend to swell.

This causes lesions in the lining of the digestive tract, causing constant diarrhea or constipation, cramping in the abdomen, and rectal bleeding.

In Crohn’s disease, there are outbreaks; the symptoms become acute and then disappear.

 

When the attack occurs, the objective is to decrease the number of depositions made.

A liquid diet reduces the number of solids that pass through the gastrointestinal tract abundantly, which is not recommended when the intestines are inflamed.

Postoperative recovery

After performing surgery, a liquid diet may be recommended to aid in recovery in some cases.

This is very important in surgeries that affect the stomach and intestines because it is necessary to reduce the tension within the gastrointestinal tract.

Presence of nausea or vomiting

When you suffer from food poisoning, a severe stomach virus, or other problems that may cause continued vomiting or nausea.

A liquid diet can be beneficial to ensure that nutrients are ingested while recovering the electrolyte balance in the body.

Colonoscopy or other medical procedures

In some medical procedures, it is required that a liquid diet be followed before carrying out the process.

In the case of a colonoscopy, the inside of the colon is examined. It is necessary to clean it of the solid waste present and the liquid diet facilitates this procedure.

Foods allowed in the liquid diet

The restrictions of a liquid diet will depend on the diet’s objective.

Sometimes a clear liquid diet may be required, much more restrictive than a regular liquid diet.

Among the foods allowed in a clear liquid diet can be mentioned:

  • Water, natural, carbonated, or flavored, adding a lemon wheel, herbs, and other flavorings.
  • Fruit juices without pulp, fruit-flavored drinks, lemonade, or fruit punch.
  • Soft drinks and other carbonated beverages, including energizing sports drinks.
  • Gelatins
  • Vegetable juices are well filtered to avoid any particles in solid form.
  • Tea and coffee are sweetened but without milk or cream.
  • Honey, sugar, hard candies.
  • Broths are clear and free of fat.
  • Ice creams that do not contain milk, seeds, nuts, or solid fruit particles

In the general liquid diet, the following foods are considered:

Drinks

In addition to those recommended for the clear liquid diet, you can consume beverages as nutritional supplements (Ensure or Boost).

Fruits

In addition to the juices, you can consume soft fruit compotes.

Dairy products

Skim milk, soy milk, almond milk, fat-free, dairy puddings, liquid yogurt, soy protein powder, egg, or milk serum.

Vegetables

In thin vegetable juices alone or mixed.

Soups

Soups are based on chicken broth, meat, fish, and vegetables and are preferably low in sodium.

In some cases, cooked cereals such as wheat, semolina, oatmeal cream, mashed potatoes, creamy soups, butter, olive oil, and peanut butter can be allowed.

General considerations

  • Liquid diets are not recommended for losing weight since it is difficult to obtain enough nutrients and calories in a liquid diet if they are in a balanced diet. It is essential to balance nutritional needs with a good selection of foods.
  • Liquid diets can limit the consumption of proteins, micronutrients, and healthy fats. In so long-term, following a liquid diet can cause fatigue, vitamin deficiency, and gastrointestinal problems.
  • The main objective of a liquid diet is to provide the body with easily digested food. At the same time, a condition is overcome, trying to supply the proteins, salts, fluids, and minerals needed to maintain the main functions of the human body.
  • When following a liquid diet, you should consume 1,350 to 1,500 calories per day. The ideal is to consume around 45 grams of protein per day.
  • It is essential to avoid excess sugar, especially in the case of Crohn’s disease.
  • In diseases such as diabetes, it may not be advisable to perform a liquid diet because of its possible adverse effects.