It may also help if you have swallowing or chewing problems.
There are benefits and limitations of a full liquid diet.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
What Can You Eat on a Full Liquid Diet?
Verywell / Joshua Seong
The following table outlines foods that are allowed and foods that are excluded on a full liquid diet.
Some foods are excluded because they are solid or their textures are too thick and lumpy.
Avoid high-fiber juices such as prune juice, nectars, and orange juice with pulp.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Vegetables can be cooked into a soup, pureed, and strained.
Grains: Grains are not usually recommended on a full liquid diet.
Dairy: Milk or lactose-free alternatives are approved for a full liquid diet.
you’re free to drink it by the glass or add it to smoothies and shakes.
Yogurt is also allowed.
you’re able to also usebutter or margarineto add calories and fat to your meals.
Puddings and custards can be thinned to a liquid consistency with milk.
Beverages: Any clear broths, pulp-free juices, or other drinks are approved on a full liquid diet.
The full liquid diet requires no chewing.
Your healthcare provider may also include thicker foods like yogurt or puddings that contain no lumps or solid pieces.
It is not the same as the clear liquid diet that is used before gastrointestinal procedures like acolonoscopy.
It is also very low in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
A full liquid diet may be inadequate in fiber and certain vitamins.
It can also be monotonous and somewhat unappetizing or unsatisfying.
Who Goes on a Full Liquid Diet?
It is rarely used for longer than two weeks.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an over-the-counterfiber supplement, such as Metamucil, to relieve your symptoms.
You might also have frequent,loose stoolson a full liquid diet simply because you are not consuming solids.
As you begin to return to a solid food diet, your bowel movements should improve.
Can You Lose Weight on a Liquid Diet?
you’re free to lose weight on a full liquid diet if you do not consume enough calories.
Weight loss may be sudden and significant even if youre not on the diet for a long time.
To overcome this, ask your healthcare provider about high-calorie protein shakes like Ensure.
You should start regaining weight once your calorie intake increases.
Dont hesitate to tell your healthcare provider about these symptoms as there may be solutions that can help.
For example, honey should not be given to a child under 1 year of age.
When creatingpureesor liquid meals, avoid adding new foods to your childs diet.
Adding electrolyte drinks or ice pops can help prevent dehydration if the child experiences diarrhea.
However, there are some key differences.
Other juices and bullion may be okay as long as they have been thoroughly strained.
Thick, opaque fluids are not allowed.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Mechanical Soft Diets
Amechanical soft dietis one that doesnt require much chewing.
With that said, certain soft foods may be excluded based on their texture or consistency.
These include foods that are high in fiber or fat, even if they are easy to chew.
It also allows your digestive system to rest after an illness or surgery.
It may also be recommended after gastrointestinal surgery to heal you better.
Full liquid diets are usually used for a few days and up to two weeks.
Side effects includeconstipation, diarrhea, fatigue, tiredness, and weight loss.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Full liquid diet.
2020;28(4):O1-O58.
doi:10.1002/oby.22719
U.S. Department of Agriculture; Department of Health and Human Services.Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
