Whenever an acute illness or surgery produces a marked intolerance for food as may be evident by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, distension and diarrhoea, it is advisable to restrict the intake of food.
In acute infections before diagnosis, in acute inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract, following surgery of the colon or rectum when it is desirable to prevent evacuation from the bowel, etc. clear fluid diet is suggested.
This diet is also given to relieve thirst, to supply the tissues with water, to aid in the removal of gas.
The diet is made up of clear liquids that leave no residue; it is non-gas forming, non-irritating and non-stimulating to peristaltic action.
This diet is entirely inadequate from nutritional standpoint since it is deficient in protein, minerals, vitamins, and calories.
It should not be continued for more than 24 to 48 hours.
The amount of fluid is usually restricted to 30 to 60 ml per hour at first, gradually increasing the amount, as per improvement in the patient’s tolerance. This diet must provide 300k cal and no protein.
This diet can meet the requirement of fluids and some minerals and can be given with 1 to 2 hour intervals.
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