Can seniors follow a liquid-only diet?
A liquid diet can be tough to maintain long-term because the nutrients are challenging to get. Vitamin A, iron, vitamin B12, and thiamine are usually lacking in liquid diets. Those who consume a liquid diet for extended periods may need supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
You’ll get the necessary protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients if you consume only liquids. However, doing so requires some planning and basic dietary knowledge. Patients recovering from surgery may not have the energy to seek out healthy foods while on this diet.
A health risk is a tendency for people to turn to easy but low-nutritional foods, such as melted ice cream or broths with high salt levels. Following a liquid diet can be tricky and frustrating if one follows the full liquid diet, as a complete liquid diet may satisfy one’s cravings better than a clear liquid diet. The following are some risks associated with long-term use, in addition to malnutrition:
• Chronic hunger
• Mood swings due to hunger
• Lack of pleasure in eating
Difficulty participating in social activities centred around food, such as eating out. Despite doctors’ recommendations for complete liquid diets for various medical conditions, some research suggests that this diet might be more restrictive than is needed.
Researchers found that people recovering from mild acute pancreatitis can benefit from an excellent diet and shorten hospital stays, according to a study published in 2010. An analysis conducted by a trusted source in 2012 found that people recovering from mild acute pancreatitis could also benefit from a soft diet.
Ask their physician the following questions if they recommend a liquid diet: Is there anything I can do to stay healthy on this diet? How long will I need to be on this diet? What are the risks of this diet? Why do you recommend this diet? Is there an alternative to this diet? What specific foods should I avoid?
