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Clear Liquid Diet

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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.
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