There are essentially two separate and independent aspects of the ayahuasca diet that are typically lumped into one general set of regulations.

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• DIET – The ayahuasca diet is prescribed in regard to food interactions with the MAOIs found in ayahuasca. They include avoidance of foods high in tyramine, a naturally occurring byproduct of the amino acid Tyrosine. MAOIs block monoamine oxidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down excess tyramine in the body. Excessive tyramine can elevate blood pressure and lead to a hypertensive crisis. Aged foods contain the highest level of tyramine, so you want to avoid things like cured meats, aged cheeses, pickled or fermented foods, and alcohol. You would have to eat a lot of foods very high in tyramine for it to reach a dangerous level.

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• DIETA – A dieta is prescribed by an ayahuasquero or curandero for a specific purpose. Often, it is to heal physical illness. Dietas are also used when learning to work with ayahuasca, to build protection, to develop plant allies, to get rid of negative spirits, and to heal spiritual diseases. The dieta is extremely strict and includes no salt, no oils, no spices, no sugar, no vegetables, no fruits, and no sexual activity. Most often, the dieta consists of rice, potato, and occasionally boiled chicken, plantain or egg.  Dietas are often done in isolation and prohibit the use of toothpaste, soaps, deodorant, and shampoos. Dietas also include the use of a master teacher plant in conjunction with ayahuasca.