THE AYAHUASCA DIET

Planning to Embark on an Ayahuasca retreat? Before going on board this transformative journey you must undergo careful preparation, particularly when it comes to diet. 

The Ayahuasca diet, or “dieta,” isn’t just a set of rules—it’s a way to prepare your body and mind for a deeper, more meaningful experience with the medicine. By cleansing your system, you allow Ayahuasca to work more effectively, helping you heal and connect on a spiritual level.

Shamanic traditions emphasize the dieta to ensure a safe and transformative journey. Following these guidelines shows respect for the plant, enhances your ability to receive its wisdom, and even deepens your connection to the Icaros—sacred songs sung by shamans during ceremonies.

While dietary restrictions may vary, sticking to the basics is key for a smooth and insightful experience. We recommend starting at least two weeks before your retreat, though the earlier you begin, the better prepared your body will be.

This guide will walk you through what to eat, what to avoid, and why these dietary choices matter for your Ayahuasca journey.

Ayahuasca Diet Explained: What to Eat & Avoid for a Deeper Journey

The Ayahuasca diet has its roots in Amazonian traditions, where shamans have long used dietary restrictions to prepare individuals for spiritual ceremonies. 

The diet is more than just a physical detox; it is a means of aligning the mind, body, and spirit with the sacred medicine. 

By adhering to these guidelines, participants create an optimal environment for Ayahuasca to work effectively, both physically and energetically.

The dietary restrictions aim to:

1. Minimize the risk of adverse physical reactions.

2. Increase sensitivity to Ayahuasca’s effects.

3. Cultivate mental clarity and emotional balance.

4. Show respect for the spiritual nature of the ceremony.

Foods to Eat Before an Ayahuasca Ceremony

Preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat involves consuming a clean and simple diet. Focus on whole, natural foods that nourish the body and promote overall health.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables should form the cornerstone of your pre-ceremony diet. These foods are easy to digest and packed with essential nutrients. Favor organic produce to avoid exposure to pesticides and chemicals.

Whole Grains

Incorporate whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and millet into your meals. These provide sustained energy and are gentle on the digestive system.

Legumes and Plant-Based Proteins

Beans, lentils, chickpeas are excellent sources of protein. They help maintain muscle mass and provide essential amino acids without taxing the body.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are nutrient-dense options that support brain health and provide healthy fats.

Herbal Teas and Water

Staying hydrated is crucial. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger can aid digestion and promote relaxation. Drink plenty of purified water throughout the day.

Foods to Avoid Before an Ayahuasca Ceremony

Certain foods and substances are prohibited in the lead-up to an Ayahuasca ceremony due to their potential to interfere with the medicine’s effects or cause harmful interactions.

Tyramine-Rich Foods

Ayahuasca contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can interact negatively with foods high in tyramine. Avoid aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, soy products, and alcohol, as these can lead to hypertensive crises.

Processed and Fried Foods

Eliminate processed snacks, fast food, and fried items and seed oils from your diet. These foods are difficult to digest and can create energetic blockages, hindering the effects of Ayahuasca.

Red Meat and Heavy Proteins

Avoid red meat, pork, and other heavy animal proteins. These foods are harder for the body to process and can leave you feeling sluggish.

Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

Refined sugar and artificial sweeteners disrupt blood sugar levels and can affect your mental clarity. Choose natural sweeteners like honey or stevia if needed.

Stimulants

Caffeine, nicotine, and energy drinks should be avoided as they can heighten anxiety and disrupt the calming effects of the medicine.

Alcohol and Recreational Drugs

Abstain from alcohol and any recreational substances for at least two weeks before the ceremony. These can interfere with Ayahuasca’s effects and may pose significant health risks.

Additional Ayahuasca Dieta Requirements

Aside from the dietary requirements, it also best to abstain from sexual relations for at least one to two weeks before and after working with Ayahuasca.  It is recommended that your energy does not become saturated by another person’s energy so that your own remains pure when entering the ceremonies.

It is also strongly recommended to cut back or avoid being on social media platforms as well as watching any videos with violence or lower vibrational content. Best to keep your mind and thoughts clear when starting your Ayahuasca journey.

Dietary Guidelines During the Ayahuasca Retreat

During the retreat, meals provided by the facilitators are usually aligned with the Ayahuasca diet. These meals are light, simple, and designed to support the healing process. Participants are often encouraged to continue avoiding restricted foods and substances to maintain the body’s receptivity to the medicine.

• Definitely eliminate all pork and red meat two weeks prior.  Fish and chicken are ok, preferably organic.
• Definitely no alcohol two weeks before the retreat, yet the more time the better as it will allow your body to detox further. Alcohol should be eliminated at least two weeks post the retreat as well.
• Definitely no recreational drugs for at least 4 weeks before and after the retreat – if not adhered to, one may run the risk of psychological or energetic damage.
• Cut back heavily or best eliminate highly salted & fried foods, caffeine, fermented foods and beverages, refined sugars, gluten and dairy two weeks before and after the retreat. Consuming healthy salt (ex: pink Himalayan salt) is good to keep in the diet.
• It is fine to keep healthy oils and fats in your diet such as avocado, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, flax oil, virgin olive oil, etc.
• Eliminate recreational cannabis for 2-3 weeks before and after the retreat to make energetic space for Ayahuasca to work with you.
• No sexual activity of any kind one week before and after the retreat.
• Avoid reading or watching anything with trauma or violence.
• We encourage you to take advantage of the time leading up to the retreat to delve deeper into the preparation of this journey by engaging in any/all of the following: meditation, exercise, yoga, writing, intention setting, being out in nature, inspirational reading, expression through art, organic vegetable juicing, cleansing/detoxing, water fasting, etc.
• Some medications have contraindications with Ayahuasca, especially antidepressants, allergy meds and blood pressure medications. Please fully disclose any medications being taken in our intake form. We will give specific protocols to come off the medications safely or help assist with other options of healing if these medications cannot be eliminated.

Post-Ceremony Diet: Foods to Support Integration

After the ceremony, the diet plays a vital role in integration—the process of assimilating the insights and lessons gained during the experience. Eating nourishing and grounding foods helps stabilize your energy and support emotional balance.

Reintroducing Foods Gradually

While it may be tempting to indulge in rich or processed foods after the retreat, it’s best to reintroduce these gradually. Begin with simple, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains before adding more complex items to your diet.

Healing Broths and Soups

Vegetable broths and soups are excellent choices for post-ceremony nourishment. They are easy to digest and provide hydration and nutrients.

Fermented Foods in Moderation

Once you’ve transitioned back to a regular diet, reintroduce fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut in small amounts to support gut health.

Hydration and Herbal Teas

Continue to prioritize hydration with water and herbal teas. These help flush toxins and maintain emotional equilibrium.

Why the Ayahuasca Diet Matters

The Ayahuasca diet is more than just a set of restrictions; it’s a preparation ritual that aligns the participant with the spiritual and physical demands of the ceremony. 

By purifying the body, you create a clearer channel for Ayahuasca to work, enhancing its ability to facilitate healing and transformation.

Additionally, following the diet demonstrates respect for the medicine and the traditions that surround its use. It sets the tone for the retreat, fostering a mindset of discipline, mindfulness, and receptivity.

Tips for Success

1. Plan Ahead: Stock your kitchen with approved foods and remove restricted items to avoid temptation.

2. Seek Support: Share your dietary goals with friends or family for added accountability.

3. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to the diet and make adjustments as needed.

4. Stay Mindful: Use the dietary preparation as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and connect with your intentions for the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat meat on an ayahuasca diet?

It’s necessary to eliminate pork and red beef two weeks before and after. Lighter meats such as fish and chicken are ok to eat.  Eggs are fine to consume as well. Best to choose ethically sourced and organic to avoid any potential antibiotics in the meat. Plant-based foods are encouraged to help the medicine work more effectively.

Can you have coffee on an ayahuasca diet?

Coffee is a no-go as it is over stimulating. The diet encourages more calming and grounding drinks. Green tea or cacao are accepted alternative options. 

Why can’t you eat salt before ayahuasca?

Salt can act as a grounding agent which can inhibit the Ayahuasca from working more deeply with the participant. It can also interfere with your body’s ability to detox and cleanse, which is key for preparing for the experience.

Why no garlic before ayahuasca?

Garlic is considered too strong and can interfere with the medicine’s effects, so it’s best to avoid it.

How long after ayahuasca can I drink alcohol?

It’s a good idea to wait a minimum of two weeks but the longer the better. Alcohol can easily lower one’s vibration and also unbalance the microbiome in the stomach that can in turn have an effects on mood stability.

Conclusion

The Ayahuasca diet is a vital part of preparing for and fully embracing your retreat experience. It’s all about cleansing the body to help the medicine work its magic more effectively. 

cwcvWhen you follow the dietary guidelines, you’re not just looking out for your safety—you’re also setting the stage for a deeper, more transformative journey. 

Think of it as an essential part of your path, one that nourishes your body, clears your mind, and respects the sacredness of Ayahuasca. 

A whole foods diet helps boost mental clarity and emotional openness, which makes it easier to tap into the spiritual side of the experience. 

So, instead of seeing it as a restriction, consider it a powerful tool for connection, healing, and spiritual growth. This way, you’ll get the most out of your Ayahuasca retreat.

Interested in ayahuasca dieta friendly meal recommendations?  Check out our Nimea Kaya Recipe Book