AYAHUASCA
DIET
What is the Ayahuasca Diet?
The ayahuasca diet is a set of restrictions implemented for a period of time before drinking ayahuasca. The diet is not just about avoiding certain foods but is about discipline, sacrifice, and commitment. The ayahuasca diet restrictions are in place to help cleanse the body and the spirit so the plant medicine can work most efficiently.
We ask our participants to engage in mindful eating. This means bringing awareness to what you eat, how often you eat, and why you eat. In the western world, we often rely on eating takeout, at restaurants, or prepackaged meals. Try to make healthier decisions and eat primarily whole foods.
FOODS TO ENJOY
Fruits and vegetables
Rice, bread, and pasta
Nuts and grains
Chicken or fish
Beans and legumes
Greens
FOODS TO AVOID
Red meat
Dairy
Spicy food
We let each guest choose their own level of dedication and rigidness they apply to follow the ayahuasca diet. If you try to follow all the diet regulations you find online, you're left with almost nothing to eat, so don’t make yourself crazy.
Moderate amounts of caffeine (including coffee), salt, sugar, oils, and spices are all fine to consume before your retreat.
Just eat smart and healthy and you’ll be fine.
All meals provided at New Life Ayahausca are vegan with gluten-free options and prepared with locally sourced, organic (when possible) fresh fruits and vegetables.
DIET VS DIETA
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.
We Suggest:
Restricted for 7 days prior to arrival-
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Drug Use – includes prescription drugs and recreational drugs
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Alcohol
Restricted for 3 days prior to arrival-
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Sugars - including artificial Sugars or Sweeteners (natural sugars found in honey, maple syrup, and fruit are okay)
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Red Meat (Chicken and fish okay)
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Pork
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Animal Fats
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Fermented foods
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Dairy Products (Eggs okay)
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Caffeine (coffee/tea are okay in moderation no cream)
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Hot spices/peppers
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Processed Foods
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Fried Foods