Liquid Diet

A liquid diet incorporates either partial meal replacement or all fluid consumption, which may be in the form of teas and juices. Most liquid diets may not be suitable for long-term or excessive weight loss. They are, however, of benefit for certain types of procedures—both pre- and post-op—plus they are a type of regimen that is desired following bariatric surgeries.

A liquid diet may not provide the needed nutrients to maintain adequate energy levels in most individuals. Short-term weight loss can be achieved, but when liquids such as protein shakes are eventually eliminated from the diet, pounds tend to be regained. Those who embark on a juice fast—also categorized as a form of liquid dieting—may find it less than satisfactory. The lack of proteins and fiber is also at issue with many physicians. In most cases, the replacement of food with fluids, even if medically supervised, simply will not be practical in the long term for those who need to lose only a minimal amount of weight. Some individuals believe that fluids will cleanse the system of impurities, including those that have built up in the liver. These beliefs are generally refuted, with the caveat that the elimination of most processed foods is always beneficial. The concern lies mainly with a fanatical approach to a liquid diet in which one ignores the essential vitamins, proteins, fibers, and other required sources for optimum health. Ultimately, nutrition and resistance to disease will suffer in the effort to achieve a more defined physique. Incorporating a liquid meal replacement can be an acceptable way to reduce a limited amount of weight, but should be used in conjunction with regular meals. Without portion control, these diets may fail as well. A general consensus, however, is that this type of approach will not teach individuals the necessary requirements of healthy eating to maintain the weight loss. Liquid diets can be safe and effective, but they're not for everyone. The most common side effect is postural hypotension--the dizziness you feel when you stand up too quickly. But this can be corrected by drinking more fluids. Patients also report constipation, frequent urination, dry skin, hair loss and intolerance to cold. Not surprisingly, during the first few days of the diet, many participants complain of hunger, but those pangs gradually subside. These diets, however, may be a boon to people with medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes or back pain--ailments that may be caused by obesity. In one study, 95 percent of hypertensive patients showed a decrease in blood pressure after one month on a liquid diet.

Advantages of having a Liquid Diet

Liquid diet is not only favorable but also nutritionally balanced. It’s hard to ignore your favorite food but what you need to do in this type of diet is to just open the lid of your bottle and add milk in to glass. And if you are going to have shakes then you should know of its sweetness and taste of different flavors, which will make this diet east for you.

Pre- and post-op are the certain type of procedures, benefited by liquid diet. Pre-operative diets a kind of liquid diet in which liquid flushes all the bowels while decreasing fagging on digestive system. You will be given a detailed leaflet by your doctor, explaining how to have this diet and for how long you should be having it.

If following bariatric surgeries, liquid diets are use and patient might have to follow a fluid-only diet for at least 10 days

Very often, immoderate cases of obesity are handled by the help of liquid diet because of the reason that, it is successful and effective. If following a Liquid diet, it is really important to have a physician for check up and to know the side-effects, as it is not recommended forever weight loss.

Disadvantages of having a Liquid Diet

These types of diets are kind of unsafe if does not supervised and advised by doctor, due to having low calories, fiber and lacking of important nutrition which can be only founding vegetables and whole grains. The liquid diet should only be for a specific time.

Studies have shown that, there is no limit of time in which weight can be lost if following a low calorie liquid diet and within three years, dieters can regain about 75% of weight lost.

The biggest problem is about eating habits. This diet can help you losing weight in a short amount of time but can’t help you to maintain long-term weight loss.

Liquid diets, if followed by you, without consulting anyone can be a bit risky. Because of the reason that, if your body will be having less nutrients, minerals and many other important things, your system will not work properly and you will be having problems like brittle nails, constipation, sensitivity to cold, and heart problems.