Dismiss Modal

Management

Clear Liquid Diet

Choose a preferred language

Various clear liquid foods.

Clear liquids are any liquid that you can see through. They are also very easy to digest. You may be put on a clear liquid diet if you are recovering from irritation or infection of the stomach or digestive tract. This diet may also be used before surgery or special procedures such as a colonoscopy. You shouldn't be on this diet for more than 1 to 3 days. Below are some clear liquids you can have on this diet.


Adults and children older than 2 years

Adults should drink a total of 2 to 3 quarts of liquid per day. It may be easier to drink small frequent servings rather than a few large ones. Clear liquids can include:

  • Clear fruit juices without pulp. Apple, white grape, and cranberry juice; clear fruit drinks.

  • Beverages. Sports drinks, sodas (no cola or root beer), mineral water (plain or flavored), tea, black coffee, liquid gelatin (add twice the advised amount of water).

  • Soups. Clear broth.

  • Desserts. Plain gelatin, frozen fruit juice bars without pulp or fruit pieces.


Children younger than 2 years

Oral rehydration fluids are available at drugstores and most grocery stores. You don’t need a prescription.

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a doctor that's right for you.

From routine check-ups to groundbreaking treatments and beyond, Crestner Health is here to help you live your healthiest life.

Search our doctors
Related Articles
Read article
Digestive Health
Feeding Tube Replacement

Your feeding tube has been replaced. Unless advised otherwise, you may resume your usual feeding schedule. Feeding tubes are usually replaced every 6 to 12 months.

Read article
Digestive Health
Feeding Tube Replacement With Foley Catheter

Your feeding tube has been replaced with a Foley catheter. Here's how to care for yourself at home.

Read article
Digestive Health
Ileostomy: Caring for Your Stoma

You need to take care of your stoma and the skin around it (peristomal skin). That means keeping the stoma and the skin clean. It also means protecting the skin from moisture and contact with stool. This helps prevent skin problems and odor.

Read article
Digestive Health
Tips to Control Acid Reflux

To control acid reflux, you'll need to make some basic diet and lifestyle changes. Read on for some simple steps to help ease your discomfort.

Schedule a Colon Cancer Screening

A screening is the best way to catch colorectal cancer early, when treatments is more successful.

Schedule an Appointment