Editing Nutrition (section)

=== Consistency and Texture Modifications ===

* '''Clear liquid:''' anything transparent and liquid at body temperature, such as broth, clear juice without pulp, gelatin, tea, black coffee, and popsicles. Not nutritionally adequate beyond a few days. Used pre-procedure and immediately post-op. Note that red or purple items are often avoided before colonoscopy because they mimic blood.
* '''Full liquid:''' adds milk, cream soups, ice cream, pudding, and all juices. Bridges clear liquid to soft.
* '''Mechanical soft and pureed:''' for chewing difficulty, poor dentition, or dysphagia. Texture is modified but the diet is otherwise unrestricted.
* '''Dysphagia diets and thickened liquids:''' thin liquids aspirate most easily. Liquids are thickened to nectar, honey, or pudding consistency per the speech language pathologist's recommendation. Position upright at 90 degrees, use a chin-tuck if instructed, avoid straws unless specifically ordered, allow adequate time, and check for pocketing in the cheeks after each bite. Keep the patient upright for at least 30 to 60 minutes after eating.