Liquid Diets: Clear vs Full Liquids

Liquid Diets

• A liquid diet consists of foods that can be served in liquid or strained form at room temperature.
• Two major types of liquid diets: Clear Liquids and Full Liquids.

Clear Liquid Diet

• A diet designed to provide fluids, calories, and electrolytes mainly in the form of sugar and water without stimulating extensive digestive processes.
• Provides 700-1,000 kcal when energy-containing clear liquids are served between meals.
• Inadequate in most nutrients and should be used for only a short period of time (24-48 hours).
• Indications:
  • Prevent dehydration
  • Reduce colonic residue to a minimum
  • Provide fluids and electrolytes
  • Minimize the load of food needing digestion in the intestines
• Foods included:
  • Clear soups and broths
  • Fat-free soups/broths
  • Strained fruit juices
  • Tender coconut water
  • Whey water
  • Barley water
  • Gelatin
  • Fruit ice
  • Popsicles
  • Sugar and salt added to liquids
  • Carbonated beverages as tolerated
  • Commercial high protein high-calorie supplements
  • Honey
• Instructions:
  • Offer small amounts of fluids at frequent intervals (50-100 mL every hour or two)
  • Do not use any solid food

Full Liquid Diet

• Consists of foods that are liquid at body temperature, including gels and frozen liquids.
• Provides nourishment that is easy to consume and digest with very little stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract.
• Indications:
  • Following oral surgery or plastic surgery of the face or neck area
  • Chewing or swallowing dysfunction
  • Acutely ill patients
• Foods included:
  • Soups and broths
  • Cereal porridges (refined cereals)
  • Milk and milk beverages
  • Yoghurt
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Fruit juices
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Butter, cream, and oil added to foods
  • Plain puddings
  • Custard
  • Ice-cream
  • Jelly and sugar
  • Honey
  • Salt and mild flavorings
• Instructions:
  • Feed at 2-4 hour intervals
  • May be inadequate in fibre, iron, vitamin B, vitamin A, and thiamine
  • Liquid nutritional supplements or blenderized foods may be added to improve nutritional adequacy

Puree Diet

• Made up of foods that require no chewing, such as mashed potatoes and pudding.
• Liquids may be added to foods to make them the right consistency.
• Indications:
  • Patients with problems chewing and swallowing
  • Patients with esophageal inflammation or varices

Puree Thickened Diet

• Thickened fluids are made by adding a thickening agent to drinks so that they are not so thin and do not flow so quickly.
• Indications:
  • Management of dysphagia
  • Improving bolus control
  • Preventing aspiration
• Levels of consistency/viscosity:
  • Thin liquids: Unthicken, such as water or juice
  • Nectar-like Consistency: Coats a spoon and falls in small droplets
  • Honey-Like Consistency: Drips from a spoon in small clumps
  • Spoon-Thick Consistency: Falls from a spoon in large clumps

Miced Diet

• Foods in this category may be naturally soft, finely minced or ground to alter texture.
• Indications:
  • Chewing or swallowing difficulties
  • Poor dentition or no dentures
  • Painful mouth

Soft Diet

• Includes tender foods that can be easily chewed, requiring minimal biting.
• Foods in the diet may be naturally soft or cooked or cut up to alter texture.
• Indications:
  • Chewing or swallowing difficulties
  • Poor dentition or no dentures
  • Painful mouth