Types of diets and feeding routes

A standard diet (normal, regular diet) includes all food groups, for people who need no special diet. In hospitals, it is kept low in fried foods, sweets and spices.

A modified diet changes the standard diet to suit a patient. It may change:

• the consistency (texture);
• the energy content;
• particular nutrients: more protein after surgery, less protein in kidney failure; less sodium, fluid or fat; or less of foods rich in oxalate, like spinach, for some kidney stones;
• the number and timing of meals.

Diets by texture:

• Clear liquid diet (clear soups, pulp-free juice, light tea): given just after surgery; it cannot meet full nutritional needs, so it is used only briefly.
• Full liquid diet (coconut water, juice, soup, milk, buttermilk): for those who cannot chew or swallow.
• Soft diet (khichdi, sago kheer): lightly seasoned, low in fibre, easy to digest, to rest the gut.
• Mechanical soft diet (soft, mashed, pureed food): for elderly people who cannot chew.

Feeding by mouth is best. If that is not possible: tube feeding through the nose to the stomach (preferred while the gut works), or intravenous feeding of special solutions through a vein. Change the texture, nutrients or route to fit the patient.