How to Endure a CLEAR LIQUID DIET

Are you about to undergo a colonosopcy? Then you need to complete a Clear Liquid Diet. Do you ask yourself, what is a clear liquid diet? How do you survive on only clear liquids?
In this video, I will discuss what a clear liquid diet is, and what kinds of drinks/foods you can eat and drink on a clear liquid diet. Additionally, I will talk about what modifications and specificiations to those food and drink groups are necessary to maintain a good clear liquid diet for a colonoscopy. I will talk about fruit juices, soda, tea, coffee, honey, sugar, creamers, sports drinks, broths, gelatin and ice pops. Finally, I will explain why clear liquid diets are not healthy for weight loss.
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DISCLAIMER: While I am a Gastroenterologist, I am not acting as your Gastroenterologist. The information provided on this channel is intended to be general educational content and not directed towards any one individual. If you believe you have a medical condition that deserves attention please seek care from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911.

[@tyler_halloween]

I wish I could have you as my doctor. You're cadence and bedside manner is impeccable

[@alphacentauri8083]

"Most commonly, a clear liquid diet is advised for the day before colonoscopy," according to the guideline. "However, it is not clear whether a clear liquid the day before colonoscopy offers advantages over a low-fiber diet in terms of preparation quality." A low-residue diet, which is virtually the same thing as a low-fiber diet, "has been shown to be at least as effective as a clear liquid diet and associated with increased patient satisfaction," the organization notes".

[@jentan4531]

I was worried about my clear liquid diet but it all went well. I had 2 different clear broths - one chicken, one beef - so I felt like I had lunch and dinner (kind of...hubby was eating a steak at the same time!). Then jelly for dessert. Ginger beer (not alcoholic, like lemonade), black tea, and, lemon Gatorade got me through the rest of the day.

[@MarkCooperMD]

Thanks. To clarify what an Aussie calls Jelly an American calls Jello. Whereas jelly to an American usually means something more like fruit jam, which isn’t a clear liquid. Gelatin is fine but we always prefer it not be red.

[@jentan4531]

@@MarkCooperMD Oh right, good point! Yes, it was jello - mango favoured.

[@thumper1747]

I’ve got a colonoscopy procedure in three days and I’m going to just fast and drink water after lunch tomorrow. May add some herbal tea and make sure my last mean beforehand is compliant. I fully intend to use this to kick off a sustainable change to my regular diet and lose 10kg and stay just below 88kg. I’m 64 and regard this as health prep for my later years in life. Nice vid

[@MarisaWrenProductions]

Thanks for sharing, I have this coming up in a couple days. I’m a diabetic vegetarian so most broth and all gelatin is a no for me. Your video made me feel more relaxed but still worrying about hunger and blood sugars. I’ll do what it takes to make it easier for the doctor performing my test but I remember having to do one as a kid when I had these same issues, wasn’t a fan.

[@MarkCooperMD]

I think there are some vegetarian gelatins. Vegetable broth should be fine (though I can imagine some sneak in animal products). You likely received instructions for adjusting you diabetes meds. Hope all goes well!

[@MarisaWrenProductions]

@@MarkCooperMD thank you so much, I’m about to go look at the store now. You’re appreciated!

[@EVUK-bd2vn]

But do you also have problems "escaping" from your house/home to get some crucial fresh-air exercise done - brisk walking, light jogging etc? Too many "dieticians", doctors, "experts" etc fail to focus on how difficult it is to summon up the will, the discipline or the psycho-physical ability to both get out and exercise or to stick to any kind of diet. Paul G

[@MarisaWrenProductions]

@@EVUK-bd2vn I’ve struggled with it in the past and sometimes still. Jogging I don’t do because it’s more harmful than helpful with past injuries and such but I do briskly walk nearly every day as well as exercise. If I’m able to be outside I go and if I’m caught at work I exercise inside as I nanny for a doctor and pharmacist with a home gym. It can be hard to get to that mindset for many but luckily I have an awesome support system of family, friends and doctors. I’ve lost 65 pounds in the last year and a half by being mindful of my wishes and body and making much better choices. Support, a positive mindset, a healthier diet and exercise have done so much for me and I know it can for others. I hope the best for you with all you do. I find meditation helps me greatly along the way as well.

[@hearsthewater]

Thank you so much for explaining why the liquids need to be clear. I was going to make my own broth for the EGD/Colonoscopy I have coming up in a few months, but now I know that I will need to not only strain it but also run it through cheesecloth to try to get it totally clear.

[@MarkCooperMD]

Thanks for taking the extra time to do that!

[@Curiosity378]

We run it through cheesecloth to get rid of oil/fat residue?

[@plzhd2]

Thank you! Thank you! Very helpful! I believe I'll be well prepared for my Tuesday's "visit"!

[@MarkCooperMD]

I hope you had a good visit. Thanks for watching!

[@everdinestenger1548]

I use a straw and quite far into my mouth and the taste isn't too bad.

[@allthingsblessed]

Thank you for your explanation. I'm scheduled for my first colonoscopy next week.

[@MarkCooperMD]

You’re welcome. I hope it goes well!

[@DesertRat332]

The first hour or so of drinking the Gatorade-MiraLAX cocktail wasn't bad. The last 45 minutes it seemed like drinking syrup. But it worked. By 7:30 pm I was cleaned out. I started at 5 pm and I'm glad I did. Another time I may start at 4 pm. I'm old, I was tired of sitting on the toilet and I wanted to go to bed. Got to bed at 10 pm and woke up once with cramps, relieved by going to the bathroom. Probably got about 5 hours of sleep. I don't like lime-flavored drinks. Now I really hate 'em. 😄

[@alyssabird720]

Ill be doing a low residue diet for breakfast the day before as ive done enough research that shows eating breakfast does not affect the colonoscopy so long as you follow the clear out instructions well.

[@MarkCooperMD]

This depends on factors such as how regularly you have BM to start and timing of your procedure. You’d do best to follow the instructions given. Some of our instructions allow for a low residue breakfast but it’s based on these factors and not for every patient. Btw reading things is not research. Conducting scientific studies is research. I’ll be presumptuous and guess you haven’t actually researched this clinical question.

[@alyssabird720]

@@MarkCooperMD I ate breakfast and lunch (low residue) and my colonoscopy went super well the next morning! My GI doctor said my clear out was really good. I read a lot of studies beforehand and talked with multiple people including my dietician who said that eating the day before did not affect their colonoscopy the next day provided you're not chronically constipated and consume all the prep as directed.

[@my2cents108]

Thank you for posting these informative videos and repsonding to questions. I can't talk to my GI doctor. Must deal with his snotty office staff who won't even answer the phone. All calls go voicemail.

[@MarkCooperMD]

Thanks for your patience with your GI team - the backlog after Covid has put offices across the country into a very tight spot.

[@my2cents108]

@@MarkCooperMD They were this way long before Covid. He's in my PCP's medical group. I may need to try another GI.

[@kaizer2312]

Please find another GI doctor and let your current GI doctor know about his/her office staff. Good luck.

[@karendillenbeck9990]

Thank you for being such a blessing. You are an amazing Dr and my ,NOW , go to for great information ❤

[@EVUK-bd2vn]

But the major rarely mentioned problem is that most people find it very hard to "escape" from their houses/homes to get some crucial fresh-air exercise done - brisk walking, light jogging etc. Too many "dieticians", doctors, "experts" etc fail to focus on how difficult it is to summon up the will, the discipline or the psycho-physical ability to both get out and exercise or to stick to any kind of diet. Paul G

[@MarkCooperMD]

This specific video is about preparing for a colonoscopy and not meant to be long term dietary advice.

[@richs4878]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@MarkCooperMD]

Thank you for taking your time to watch and your generous feedback.

[@StevoSwiss]

I came back from Mexico with a partially obstructed small intestine, cause unknown. My ER doctor ordered me to do a clear liquid diet for 2 days. He said it would help reset my digestive tract. So the Internet trends may just be referring to the positive effects if a "reset" for people who have an issue with passage of food through their small or large intestine. Though my ER doctor may have been wholly confused. Hopefully if I have a parasite infection, this diet will help with that. So tired right now! Whew.

[@MarkCooperMD]

It’s fairly unlikely you have a parasitic infection unless you were off the beaten path. It’s much more likely to get viral or bacterial gastroenteritis, even in Mexico.

[@shadows3001]

I have trouble at shallowing so i only eat liquids like skimmed milk due to my sick but i didnt know if its ok bcs i really scared when i eat solid bcs that solid will stuck to my throat and its really hard to breath and sometimes tightining my middle chest

[@edjohn6521]

What about pudding

[@MarkCooperMD]

Definitely not a clear liquid.

[@moonshadow3559]

Ensure and Boost are loaded with sugar!

[@MarkCooperMD]

Yes they are. But I do not think they are substantially different from a glass of fruit juice. As they’re meant to be nutrition for those otherwise struggling to obtain calories, it is appropriate they have a fair amount of sugar.

[@bradking2615]

Great share thank you

[@MarkCooperMD]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@anitav7799]

Doesn't tomato juice break the rule of not drinking red liquids.

[@MarkCooperMD]

It’s more that artificial dyes stain-for example how your tongue is red after drinking something with these dyes, and even brushing your teeth doesn’t readily get rid of the color.

[@anitav7799]

Makes sense. Thank you. @@MarkCooperMD

[@my2cents108]

What about Ensure to ward off hunger? Some of the preps I'm seeing online allow up to 3 bottles until just before starting the laxatives in the afternoon. Ensure Clear, or Ensure Clear Therapeutic Nutrition Drink?

[@MarkCooperMD]

The ensure clear should be fine. Good call.

[@Frank_Jones314]

@@MarkCooperMD I'm hoping I can get a reply to this because my procedure is coming up and I am concerned about 36 hours without protein. Can I really drink "Ensure clear"? (180 calories per serving, 8 grams protein, 37 grams of carbs, of which 18 g are added sugar. ) Can I drink 20 of these on my prep day?

[@emc6511]

@@MarkCooperMD I'm surprised it is ok. Ingredients include whey protein powder and vitamins & minerals. My prep instructions were to stop OTC vitamins etc 4 days before and for sure no milk (whey) on clear day. I guess the thinking is the prep will take care of it. If so, just drink a glas of milk LOL

[@dalestephan]

I’m enjoying your videos. I appreciate your sharing with us. Question: how does bowel prep impact our gut biome? It seems like it would reek havoc.

[@MarkCooperMD]

Good question! I’ve wondered the same. Many of the bacteria are living on the surface and they’re not washed away by the prep. While it’s called cleansing, it’s really just a rinse.

[@eastwestmusic1331]

I failed my colonoscopy! It is very hard for vegetarians to prep. Just about my entire diet consists of vegetables, beans, nuts. Quinoa - 4 days ago - caused my fail. 4 days! Can't live on spaghetti for 3 days followed by liquid diet, especially since I do not eat pasta because of wheat belly and don't do potatoes because of fatigue. I have one risk factor - 50 yo. I don't drink at all, don't smoke or drugs. No family history. I eat vegetarian high fiber diet - exercise 5-6 x per week - aerobic. Ugh. Why bother....

[@MarkCooperMD]

Thanks for sharing this. Prep instructions for vegetarians would be helpful.

[@vicki9777]

Hi mine isn’t until Thursday. I took some miralax, it’s not helping me poop. I’ve tried apple juice I’ve tried black coffee. My stomach is very slow . I’ve also tried an enema. Now what should I try

[@MarkCooperMD]

I would try butter melted in warm prune juice.

[@ayeoooo]

Pickle juice?

[@jenniferdelano1273]

I was told diet soda was ok. Is this incorrect information? I did all water prior to my EGD just in case. Because, I was unsure. Thank you!

[@MarkCooperMD]

Diet soda is a clear liquid.

[@daleval2182]

Don't just quit the trash

[@carycase5563]

What about oatmilk instead milk for coffee creamer

[@MarkCooperMD]

It’s not clear so still a no go.

[@stock7628]

This diet is going to suck, I'm already skinny an hungry an now I have to essentially eat water for 24hrs

[@daleval2182]

I fast for 5 to 7 days to heal this stuff up , it's a toss up weight loss or chronic pain

[@daviddibble2879]

Tomato juice is red. We can’t have red !!! N

[@MarkCooperMD]

Red food coloring is more of a problem as it stains bile red.

[@daviddibble958]

Ok. Thank you. So natural reds are ok??

[@MarkCooperMD]

@@daviddibble958 individual endoscopy centers may differ. I can’t see why things that are naturally red and in moderation should matter much. It’s more the deep red dyes in a large amount of Gatorade that will make everything red. I think it’s less an issue that it looks like “blood” and more an issue that it decreases the contrast and therefore visibility for polyps.

[@rhi8209]

So, I'm halfway done with my pre and there is so much blood, I'm curious to know how much blood is too much

[@Lulu4Him]

There shouldn't be any blood in the stool, it should be clear or slightly yellow.

[@DesertRat332]

My TP was bright red at the end, too. I thought it was hemorrhoids but not sure. Call your doctor if you are concerned. Mine did not interfere with my procedure and it went away when I went back to my normal diet. But always call your doctor to get his opinion and recommendations.

[@gwillis01]

hello fellow YT video watchers

[@yurioioio1071]

Use your outdoor voice , talking like your in church

[@MarkCooperMD]

That’s maybe the most snarky comment I’ve gotten to date. Thanks for putting a smile on my face this afternoon.

[@yurioioio1071]

That’s what we’re for 😏