Overview

Diets that provide nutrients in highly digestible forms are known as elemental diets. People with digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and small intestinal bacteria overgrowth, sometimes use it as a short-term treatment to rest and heal their digestive tracts.

Elemental diets use a variety of formulas. An elemental formula is a type of liquid nutritional supplement that is designed to provide the body with all of the essential nutrients it needs in a highly digestible and easily absorbed form. It is often used as part of an elemental diet, which is a specialized type of liquid diet that is used to provide the body with all of the essential nutrients it needs while eliminating solid foods.

Elemental formulas are typically made from a blend of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), carbohydrates, and fats. They may also contain additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Some formulas are designed to be used as a sole source of nutrition, while others are intended to be used as a supplement to a regular diet.

5 Simple Elemental Diet Recipes

Here are 5 simple elemental diet recipes you can try:

1. Elemental Shake: Combine 1 scoop of elemental formula, 1 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
2. Elemental Soup: Combine 1 scoop of elemental formula, 1 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and transfer to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
3. Elemental Pudding: Combine 1 scoop of elemental formula, 1 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and transfer to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled.
4. Elemental Smoothie: Combine 1 scoop of elemental formula, 1 cup of frozen fruit (such as berries or mango), 1 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk, and a few ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
5. Elemental Oatmeal: Combine 1 scoop of elemental formula, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk, and a pinch of cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Serve hot.

DIY Elemental Diet Recipes

Here are five DIY elemental diet recipes that you can try if you do not like ready-made elemental formulas:

1. Basic Elemental Powder: Combine 1 cup of amino acid powder, 1 cup of dextrose powder, and 1 cup of corn-starch in a blender and blend until smooth. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of potassium chloride.
2. Vanilla Elemental Shake: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 scoop of amino acid powder, 1 scoop of dextrose powder, and 1 scoop of corn-starch in a blender. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and blend until smooth.
3. Chocolate Elemental Shake: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 scoop of amino acid powder, 1 scoop of dextrose powder, and 1 scoop of corn-starch in a blender. Add in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and blend until smooth.
4. Strawberry Elemental Smoothie: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 scoop of amino acid powder, 1 scoop of dextrose powder, and 1 scoop of corn-starch in a blender. Add in 1 cup of frozen strawberries and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and blend until smooth.
5. Banana Elemental Smoothie: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 scoop of amino acid powder, 1 scoop of dextrose powder, and 1 scoop of corn-starch in a blender. Add in 1 frozen banana and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and blend until smooth.

Note: These recipes are intended to provide a basic template for a DIY elemental diet. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the specific nutritional needs and to ensure that the DIY elemental diet is appropriate for your individual needs.

Bottom line

Please note that these recipes are intended for use as part of an elemental diet, which is a specialized type of liquid diet that is used to provide the body with all of the essential nutrients it needs while eliminating solid foods. An elemental diet is typically only recommended under the guidance of a healthcare provider and should not be used as a long-term diet.

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