Ayahuasca Diet: How to prepare, Recommendations and Restrictions.
Preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat involves more than just setting intentions—it requires a careful diet that supports a safe and transformative experience. Known as the “Ayahuasca Diet,” this preparation is crucial not only for physical health but also for mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the Ayahuasca Diet, including what to eat, what to avoid, and the reasons behind these dietary restrictions.
What is the Ayahuasca Diet?
The Ayahuasca diet is a set of dietary and lifestyle guidelines that participants follow before, during, and after an Ayahuasca retreat. It is designed to:
- Enhance the effectiveness of Ayahuasca: The diet ensures the psychoactive components of Ayahuasca work optimally in the body.
- Minimize health risks: Certain foods, drugs, and medications can interact dangerously with Ayahuasca’s MAOIs, leading to potential side effects.
- Promote emotional and spiritual clarity: Reducing external stimulants and following a clean diet allows for deeper introspection and a more profound experience.
Why is the Ayahuasca Diet Important?
Ayahuasca contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which inhibit the enzyme that breaks down certain neurotransmitters. If participants consume foods or medications that interact negatively with MAOIs, they could face dangerous side effects. Therefore, following the Ayahuasca diet ensures a safe and profound experience.
The diet also serves as a spiritual preparation, cleansing the body so participants can enter the ceremony with clarity and receptivity.
Foods, Medications, and Substances to Avoid in the Ayahuasca Diet
Below is a list of the most important items to avoid in preparation for an Ayahuasca ceremony. Typically, it’s recommended to begin following these guidelines at least 2-4 weeks before your retreat.
1. Antidepressants, Sleeping Pills, and Recreational Drugs (Dangerous. Interrupt intake four weeks before the ceremony)
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs): Medications like Prozac, Zoloft, or other antidepressants.
- Sleeping Pills: Prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids.
- Recreational Drugs: Cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, cannabis.
Reason: Combining Ayahuasca with antidepressants or other psychoactive medications can be life-threatening. These drugs interfere with Ayahuasca’s action and can have unpredictable interactions, making it crucial to discontinue them under medical supervision well before the retreat.
2. Tyramine-Rich Foods
- Aged Cheese: Parmesan, blue cheese, cheddar, etc.
- Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, soy sauce, miso.
- Processed Meats and Red Meat: Sausages, pepperoni, salami.
Reason: Tyramine can interact with the MAOIs in Ayahuasca, causing dangerously high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues.
3. Stimulanst: Alcohol, Caffeine, and Sugar
- Alcohol: Wine, beer, spirits.
- Caffeine: Coffee, energy drinks, caffeinated tea, matè.
- Added Sugar: Avoid any added sugar, natural or artificial, or sugar substitute (sugar, honey, syrups, stevia, erythritol). Sugar that’s present naturally in fruits is okay, so you can eat fruit.
Reason: Alcohol and caffeine can interfere with Ayahuasca’s effects and exacerbate anxiety or overstimulation, negatively impacting the experience. Sugar can cause energy fluctuations, making maintaining a calm, focused state harder.
4. Heavy Animal Products
- Red Meat and Pork: Hard to digest and can cause physical discomfort.
- Fatty Fish: Avoid fish high in mercury content.
Reason: Heavy meats are slow to digest, placing strain on the digestive system and decreasing the effectiveness of the Ayahuasca brew.
5. Processed and Spicy Foods
- Processed Foods: Chips, candies, packaged snacks.
- Spices: Strong spices like chili and black pepper.
Reason: Processed foods often contain harmful additives and chemicals, while spicy foods can disrupt the digestive system, making it challenging to stay grounded during the ceremony.
Foods to Include in the Ayahuasca Diet
The Ayahuasca diet encourages natural, plant-based foods that are easy on the body and support mental clarity. Here are the foods you should include:
1. Fresh Vegetables
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, sweet potatoes.
- Vegetables: Bell Pepper, eggplant, tomatoes.
Nutritional Benefits: Fresh vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that cleanse the body and ensure smooth digestion, promoting a receptive state for the ceremony.
2. Fresh Fruits
- Bananas, Apples, Pears, Melons, and Peace: Opt for low-acid fruits.
- Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries.
Nutritional Benefits: Fruits provide antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sugars for energy. Avoid citrus fruits due to their acidity, which can be harsh on the stomach.
3. Whole Grains
- Quinoa, Brown Rice, Millet: Complex carbohydrates.
Nutritional Benefits: Whole grains offer fiber and slow-releasing carbohydrates that help maintain balanced energy without causing blood sugar spikes.
4. Legumes
- Lentils, Chickpeas, and Black Beans: Rich in protein and fiber.
Nutritional Benefits: Legumes provide plant-based protein to keep you energized. They are also easy to digest compared to animal proteins.
5. Herbal Teas and Water
- Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos: Non-caffeinated herbal teas.
- Filtered Water: Staying hydrated is crucial throughout the preparation period.
Nutritional Benefits: Herbal teas help relax the nervous system, while hydration supports detoxification and overall wellness.
General Guidelines for the Ayahuasca Diet
1. Eat Lightly
Avoid overeating, as heavy meals can burden the digestive system. Light, frequent meals help maintain comfort and focus during the ceremony.
2. Avoid Sexual Activity
Many traditions recommend abstaining from sexual activity, including masturbation, before the retreat. This practice helps conserve energy and focus on spiritual insights.
3. Reduce Stimulants and Media
In the days before the ceremony, exposure to external stimuli such as television media and loud music should be reduced. This helps calm the mind and prepare you for the introspective nature of Ayahuasca.
4. Meditate and Find Your Center
Discover and cultivate the ability to sit in silence, detach from any outcome, and have a relaxed presence. This will help you immensely navigate the realms of your Ayahuasca journey calmly.
The Ayahuasca Diet
During the Retreat
While at the retreat, meals will be prepared by the Ayahuasca diet guidelines. The food will be simple, plant-based, and prepared with minimal oil, salt, and sugar. This helps:
- Maintain a Clear Mind: Simple foods minimize physical and mental distractions.
- Support Energetic Sensitivity: Ayahuasca enhances your energetic sensitivity, and a light diet supports a deeper connection to the experience.
Post-Ayahuasca Diet:
Integration Support
After the retreat, it’s equally important to continue following a light diet 1-2 weeks and gradually reintroduce foods. This helps with:
- Physical Integration: Giving your digestive system time to adjust.
- Emotional Processing: Allowing you to stay connected with the insights and lessons from your Ayahuasca experience.
The Ayahuasca diet is essential to preparing for a meaningful and safe experience. Adhering to these dietary and lifestyle guidelines sets you up for a profound and deep journey with Ayahuasca. Avoiding antidepressants, certain foods, and stimulants while consuming light, plant-based meals will help ensure a receptive state of mind and body.
Are you preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat? If you have questions or want more guidance on diet and preparation, feel free to leave a comment or contact us.
With love,
Alexandra Tentiu, Co-Founder of the Inner Flight Retreat
