Oral feeding : General diets
Most hospital diets are based on a general diet with variation in texture and consistency. Hospital diets are designed to follow a sequence. Normally, the patient is NPO for a few hours before surgery. After surgery, clear-liquid diet help the patient return to normal absorption and digestion patterns. The full-liquid diet is then instituted, followed by the soft, and then the regular diet.
Modified diet in texture and consistency
1. Clear-liquid diet
2. Full-liquid diet
3. Soft diet
4. Regular diet
Oral feeding : Therapeutic diets
Modified diet in nutrients such as:
-Sodium restricted diet / low salt diet
-Low fat diet, low cholesterol diet
-Low protein diet, high protein diet
-Diabetic diet
Modified diet in energy
-High calories, low calories
Clear-liquid diet
Indications : The clear-liquid diet provides clear fluids to relieve thirst dehydration, maintain electrolyte balance, yield minimal bowel residue, and test the ability to the tolerate oral feedings.
Clear-liquids are indicated for short-term use, usually no longer than 24 to 48 hours, following periods of acute vomiting or diarrhea or surgery. Because this diet has low calories ~ 600-800 kcal/day
Characteristics: This diet is limited to fat-free broth or bouillon, flavored gelatin, water, fruit drinks without pulp, fruit ice, tea, coffee, and sugar. No cream or creamers are used. Some facilities allow only apple juice on the very strict clear-liquid diet; others may allow all juice except prune and tomato. The most preferred items on this diet are tea, ginger ale, and apple juice.