Liquid diet for life

Question
Can someone live on a liquid diet of meal replacement shakes, orange juice and vegetable juice for life, if they get enough calories, nutrients and protein?

Answer
Hi Ashley

I hope this is not something you need to consider! But, let me try and answer your question as best I can.

Theoretically it is possible to remain on a full liquid diet for an extended period of time, but this should never be done unless under strict, knowledgeable medical care and observation. I am not sure if this has ever been done for life, though, with the necessary monitoring.

A long-term full liquid diet is not to be recommended unless necessary for medical reasons, however. It is possible to get enough calories in this way, but it can be really difficult to make sure that your body gets the right balance of nutrients. It may be necessary to add supplements to ensure adequate nutrition.

On a full liquid diet, you can be talking about meal replacement shakes and juices, as you mention. Also included could be things like broths, soups,  smoothies, custards, ice cream, yogurt and even puddings.

To do this for weight loss, may seem like a good idea, but this is not true. It is not a healthy way to approach weight loss. Such a diet can also have a marked effect on your metabolism, slowing it way down. This happens because your body can get the message that you are starving! As a result, bodily processes start to conserve energy in any way the can.

I want to stress again that this should never, ever be attempted on your own. It is far too risky and may damage your health. I hope this helps!

Warm wishes
Rika Susan

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