How to Follow a Clear Liquid Diet for Colonoscopy

A clear liquid diet is fairly straightforward:

• Consists of exclusively clear liquids
• Colored liquids are acceptable if you can see through them
• Foods that are liquid or partly liquid at room temperature are acceptable
• Any type of solid food should be avoided

A clear liquid diet is often prescribed before medical procedures that involve the digestive tract. Other reasons why a clear liquid diet may be recommended are to:

• Empty the digestive tract before a surgical procedure or imaging test
• Allow the digestive system to rest and recover from severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as inflammation, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Provide nutrition after surgery to allow organs to rest (the diet puts minimal stress on the digestive system and provides hydration, some minerals, electrolytes, and energy before and after medical procedures)

Clear liquid diets should never be used for weight loss. A clear liquid diet may have carbohydrates but lacks other nutrients, such as protein and fats.

Clear liquids that are acceptable the day before a colonoscopy include:

• Water
• Fruit or vegetable juice (strained, without added sugar or milk)
• Ginger ale
• Club soda
• Black coffee and tea
• Sports drinks with electrolytes
• Apple juice
• Honey
• Flavored gelatin
• Clear broth
• Carbonated drinks
• Jell-O
• Popsicles
• Lemonade without pulp

Liquids that should be avoided include:

• Milkshakes
• Coffee with cream or milk
• Pineapple juice
• Orange juice
• Alcohol

Breakfast

• Cup of coffee or tea without dairy 
• Cup of pulp-free fruit juice
• Bowl of gelatin
• Sugar or honey

Snack

• Cup of strained fruit juice
• Bowl of gelatin

Lunch

• Cup of broth
• Bowl of gelatin
• Cup of strained fruit juice
• Glass of water

Snack

• Cup of coffee or tea without dairy
• Pulp-free ice pop
• Sugar or honey

Dinner

• Cup of pulp-free juice or water
• Cup of broth
• Bowl of gelatin
• Sugar or honey

• Promotes healing: Gives your digestive tract time to rest and heal.
• Relieves inflammation: May help relieve inflammation associated with pancreatitis, gastritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Clears out the colon: Helps clear out stools in the colon, which can result in inflammation associated with diverticulitis. 
• Helps with hydration: Help replenish lost water and electrolytes without triggering further digestive problems.

• Malnutrition: Due to low nutrient content, prolonged use of a clear liquid diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies, causing extreme fatigue and dizziness.
• Blood sugar spikes: People with diabetes should exercise when on a clear liquid diet and do it under the supervision of a doctor. Special considerations include finding sugar-free alternatives to some liquids, adjusting diabetes medications, and monitoring blood sugar levels at regular intervals.
• Swallowing problems: If you have dysphagia, ask your doctor about adding thickeners or other methods to help you swallow liquids more easily.

• Discontinue the diet or contact your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
  • Stomach pain or cramping
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Severe weakness
• Never consume drinks with red or purple coloring because it may interfere with imaging tests
• Never follow this diet for more than a few days
• Follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid any adverse effects