It has been over three weeks since the tragic and untimely demise of legendary Australian Cricketer Shane Warne, but his fans all around the world have still not been able to come to terms with the news. He was an athlete, which speaks volumes about his health and fitness. So what went wrong then? According to reports, Warne was on a strict 14-day liquid diet for weight loss , and many doctors and healthcare experts have claimed that this could well have been the reason behind the heart attack.

Keeping the recent events in mind, we have summarised the essence of the Liquid Diet in this article. Read on to know more about what Liquid Diet is and how it works.

What is a Liquid Diet?

A liquid diet consists of clear liquids such as water, plain gelatin, clear soups, and broth that are easily digested and leave no undigested residue in your intestines. Doctors often recommend such a clear liquid diet before certain medical procedures or if you have specific digestive problems. However, the diet should not be followed for more than a few days unless advised by a health expert since it lacks sufficient calories and nutrients.

What can you eat on a liquid diet a day?

Foods that partially or melt to liquid at normal temperature are considered clear liquid diets such as water, fruit juices, strained soups, tea, plain ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet. You can’t eat solid food when you’re on a clear liquid diet.

Why Follow a Liquid Diet?

A clear liquid diet is commonly recommended before tests, treatments, or surgeries that require no food in your stomach or intestines, such as a colonoscopy. It may also be prescribed as a short-term diet if you are suffering from digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or recovering from surgery.

Some Things to Remember

When a full diet isn’t possible or suggested, a clear liquid diet helps maintain adequate hydration, delivers some critical electrolytes like salt and potassium, and gives some energy.

The following foods are usually allowed on a clear liquid diet:

Water
Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Broth
Cola and root beer
Gelatin
Soft Drinks
Sports Drinks
Tea
Coffee
Honey
Sugar
Milkshakes and Smoothies
Pudding
Yoghurt
Melted Cheese

Your physician or dietician may alter the list based on your medical condition. Your doctor may ask you to avoid drinks or gelatin with red colouring during some examinations, such as colonoscopies. Any foods that aren’t on the list above should be avoided.

Do Liquid Diets Actually Work?

Although the clear liquid diet isn’t particularly enticing, it serves its goal. It’s made to keep your stomach and intestines clear and keep your digestive system from being overworked while also keeping your body hydrated.

Are Liquid Diets a Good Idea for Weight Loss?

Like any other diet meant for weight loss, liquid diets can help you limit your calorie intake and take the guesswork of controlling your food portion. However, the results may not last long. When you drastically cut calories during the liquid diet, your body will slow down its metabolism to save energy. So, unless you change your eating habits after you go off the liquid diet, you’re likely to regain the weight you lost. It’s always advisable to follow diets that include a balance of both solid food and liquids for weight loss.

What Are the Risks of a Liquid Diet?

A clear liquid diet should not be used for more than a few days since it lacks sufficient calories and nutrients. It is best to follow your doctor’s instructions when choosing a clear liquid diet, even for a weight loss program. Your medical conditions and age play a significant role in how this could affect your body.

Before a medical test, if your doctor prescribes a clear liquid diet, make sure you follow the diet instructions in the letter. If you don’t stick to the diet exactly, you risk getting an erroneous test and having to reschedule the surgery.

Consult your doctor, dietician, or diabetes educator if you have diabetes. To maintain the blood sugar, a clear liquid diet should consist of clear liquids that supply around 200 grams of carbohydrate spaced evenly throughout the day (blood glucose). Blood sugar levels should be checked, and solid foods should be introduced sooner.

If you’re on a full liquid diet for more than a few days, the lack of fiber may cause constipation. On a full liquid diet, it’s also not uncommon to have regular, loose stools simply because you’re not eating solids. Your bowel movements should return to normal as you return to a solid food diet.

Even if you haven’t been on a full liquid diet for a long time, weight reduction might be dramatic. Soon after you resume eating more calories, you should begin to regain weight.

You may feel weary, irritable, sad, or otherwise sick as a result of consuming fewer calories, vitamins, and minerals. If these symptoms make you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.