THERAPEUTIC DIET

A. Clear Liquids
1. Purpose—to provide hydration to a post-op patient
2. Foods Allowed—tea, coffee, fat-free broth, bouillon, fruit ices, popsicles, gelatin, soda
3. Foods Not Allowed—milk products, fruit juices with pulp
B. Full Liquid
1. Purpose—after a post-op patient tolerates clear liquids, this is often ordered.
2. Foods Allowed—all foods that are liquid or are liquid at room temperature
3. Foods Not Allowed—nuts, beans, solid food
C. Soft Diet
1. Purpose—for post-op patients after full liquid or for patients with infections or GI problems
2. Foods Allowed—all foods that are soft, tender, minced, stewed, or creamed
3. Foods Not Allowed—coarse or whole grain breads, meats, sharp cheeses, dried fruits and nuts
D. Bland Diet
1. Purpose—to eliminate irritating foods to allow the stomach lining to heal (ulcer patients)
2. Foods Allowed—milk, custards, white bread, cooked cereals, creamed or pureed soups, baked or broiled
potatoes
3. Foods Not Allowed—strongly flavored and highly seasoned foods, coffee, tea, citrus fruits, raw fruits and
vegetables, whole grains, very hot or cold beverages
E. Low-Residue Diet
1. Purpose—to reduce fiber for patients with Crohn’s disease, colon or rectal surgery, esophagitis, diarrhea.
2. Foods Allowed—clear fluids, sugar, salt, meats, fats, eggs, some milk, refined cereals and white breads, peeled
white potatoes
3. Foods Not Allowed—cheeses, fried foods, highly seasoned foods, and high fiber foods
F. High-Fiber Diet
1. Purpose—to provide bulk in the stool and bring water into the colon for patients with constipation or
diverticulitis
2. Foods Allowed—raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains
3. Foods Not Allowed—minimize low fiber foods
G. Sodium Restricted
1. Purpose—for patients with kidney, cardiovascular disease or hypertension to control the retention of sodium
and water and thus lower blood pressure
2. Foods Allowed—natural foods without salt, milk, and meat in limited quantities
3. Foods Not Allowed—canned prepared foods, table salt, most prepared seasonings not labeled low sodium
H. Gluten-Free Diet
1. Purpose—eliminates gluten, a protein found in wheat products. These are used for patients with malabsorption
syndromes such as celiac disease.
2. Foods Allowed—rice, corn, soy flour, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk
3. Foods Not Allowed—all wheat, rye, barley, oats: many prepared foods such as creamed sauces or breaded
foods (may contain thickeners and fillers)
I. Lactose-Free Diet
1. Purpose—to reduce or eliminate foods with lactose, for patients who cannot metabolize it
2. Foods Allowed—most meats, fruits and vegetables, cereals and grains
3. Foods Not Allowed—foods containing lactose, such as milk, cheese and ice cream
J. Low-Cholesterol
1. Purpose—to reduce the intake of cholesterol in order to lower blood cholesterol levels
2. Foods Allowed—fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish, poultry without skin, skim milk
3. Foods Not Allowed—organ meats, egg yolks, shrimp, beef, lamb, pork
K. Low-Purine Diet
1. Purpose—to reduce the amount of purine, which is a precursor of uric acid, in the diet. It is used with patients
who have gout or uric acid kidney stones.
2. Foods Allowed—most vegetables (except cauliflower), spinach, asparagus, peas, fruit juices, cereals, eggs,
cottage cheese
3. Foods Not Allowed—organ meats, fish, poultry, lentils, dried peas, nuts beans, oatmeal, whole wheat.