You may have heard of a clear liquid diet, where you only drink water, tea ... These foods contain little to no fiber or protein, so they give your digestive system a break.

Use it for the protein-packed base of a smoothie, or as the liquid in pancakes, waffles, or other baked good recipes (though stay clear of rice milk, the worst dairy-free milk for baking).

For instance, you are required to avoid food and drinks with red or purple food coloring for colonoscopies because it can be confused with blood, says Farrell. A clear liquid diet might make you ...