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Clear liquid diet
- Consists of foods that are clear and liquid at room temperature
- It primarily consists of water and carbs. The clear liquid diet requires minimal digestion, leaves minimal residue, and is non-gas forming. It is nutritionally inadequate and should not be used long term.
- Indications for a clear liquid diet include acute illness, reduction of colon fecal material prior t certain diagnostic tests and procedures, acute GI disorders, and, in some instances, post-op recovery
- Acceptable foods are water, tea, coffee, fat-free broth, carbonated beverages, clear juices, ginger ale, and gelatin
- Caffeine consumption should be limited as it can lead to increased hydrochloric acid and stomach upset.
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Full liquid diet
- Consists of foods that are liquid at room temperature
- Full fluid diets offer more variety and nutritional support than a clear diet and can supply adequate amounts of energy and nutrients.
- Acceptable foods include: all liquids on a clear diet, all forms of milk, soups, strained fruits and vegetables, vegetable and fruit juices, eggnog, plain ice cream and sherbet, refined or sustained cereals, and puddings
- If used more than 2-3 days, high protein, high calorie supplements should be considered
- Indications include a transition from liquid to soft diets, post-op recovery, acute gastritis, febrile conditions, and/or intolerance of solid foods.
- This diet provides oral nourishment for clients having difficultly chewing or swallowing solid foods; however, clients with dysphagia should be cautious with liquids unless they are thickened appropriately
- This diet is contraindicated for clients who have lactose intolerance or hypercholesterolemia. Lactose-reduced milk and dairy products should be used when possible.
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Blenderized liquid (pureed) diet
- Consists of liquids and foods that have been pureed to liquid form
- The composition and consistency of a pureed diet varies, depending on the client’s needs
- Each food is pureed separately to preserve individual flavor
- Indications for use include clients with chewing or swallowing difficulties, oral or facial surgery, or wired jaws.
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Soft (bland, low-fiber) diet
- A soft diet contains whole foods that are low in fiber, lightly seasoned, and easily digested
- Food textures may be smooth, creamy, or crisp. Fruits, vegetables, coarse breads and cereals, beans, and other potentially gas-forming foods are excluded
- Indications for this diet include clients transitioning between full liquid diets and regular diets, or those with acute infections, chewing difficulties, or GI disorders
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Mechanical soft diet
- A mechanical soft diet is a regular diet that has been modified in texture. The diet composition may be altered for specific nutrient needs
- In inculdes foods that require minimal chewing before swallowing, such as ground meat, canned fruits, and soft-cooked vegetables
- It excludes harder foods, such as dried fruits, most raw fruits and vegetables and foods containing seeds and nuts
- Indications for this diet include clients who have limited chewing or swallowing abililty; those with dsyphagia, poorly fitted dentures, and those who are edentulous (without teeth); those who have had surgery on the head, neck, or mouth; and those with structures of the intestinal tract
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Regular Diet (normal or house diet)
- A regular diet is indicated for clients who do not need dietary restrictions. They are adjusted to meet age-specific needs throughout the life cycle
- Many healthcare facilities offer self-select menus for regular diets
- Dietary modifications or accommodate individual preferences, food habits, and ethnic values can be done without difficulty for the client receiving a regular diet.
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