A partial or complete blockage of the areas of small intestines results in bowel obstruction. It hinders the food and digestive liquid from moving through. A bowel obstruction can happen due to two reasons, either because of improper functioning of intestinal muscles or something being in the way. For managing a complete bowel obstruction, you are required not to eat. However, for a partial bowel obstruction taking a liquid diet may help relieve its symptoms, and you can better tolerate it than a solid diet. When you have a bowel obstruction, whether partial or complete, consult your doctor before starting any diet.
A liquid diet will not only help you clear the partial bowel obstruction but will also keep you hydrated and while fulfilling some of your nutritional needs. Your doctor is the one to guide you on the type of liquid diet to follow and for how long you need to follow it.
Clear Liquid Diet
As the name suggests, a clear liquid diet consists of liquids that are clear. Below are some choices of liquid you have, such as:
- Water
- Black tea
- Black coffee
- Apple juice
- Clear soda
- Fruit ice
- Gelatin
- Honey
You can very easily digest these types of liquids, and they leave minor residues in your gastrointestinal tract. This diet is very low in calories and nutrients, so while it can help you stay hydrated, you should not take it for long.
Full Liquid Diet
It includes most liquids and the foods then turns to liquid at room temperature. The full liquid diet includes all of the clear liquid diet plus ice cream, milk, milkshakes, butter, and margarine. This diet is low in calories but meets your vitamin, mineral, and protein needs better than the clear liquid diet.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Family Diagnostic Clinic at 281-351-6800.