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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The first is the DIET – this is in regard to food interactions with the MAOI’s 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 any kind of dangerous level.

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The second is the DIETA – A dieta is prescribed by an ayahuasquero or curandero for a specific purpose. Often, it is to heal physical illiness. 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 strictly follows adherence to no salt, no oils, no spices, and no sexual activity. Most often, the dieta consists of rice, potato, and occasionally boiled chicken or egg. No fruits or vegetables are allowed. 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.

The ayahuasca diet is implemented as a spiritual preparation. 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 so the plant medicine can work most efficiently. 

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We adhere to the following ayahuasca diet:

No dairy - No red meat - No pork - No spicy food - No drugs/alcohol

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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, it is almost impossible to adhere to the typical ayahuasca diet restrictions completely. There are hidden salts and sugars in all kinds of foods. In a fast-paced society, we often rely on eating takeout, at restaurants, or prepackaged meals. Try to make healthier decisions and eat primarily whole foods. For us, this satisfied the spiritual aspects of discipline, sacrifice, and commitment.

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. 

Just eat smart and healthy and you’ll be fine.

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All meals provided at New Life Ayahausca are vegan and prepared with locally sourced, fresh fruits and vegetables using moderate amounts of salt and spices.

Restricted for 7 days prior to arrival-

• Drug Use – includes prescription drugs and recreational drugs

• 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)

• Red Meat (Chicken and fish okay)

• Pork

• Animal Fats

• Fermented foods

• Dairy Products (Eggs okay)

• Caffeine (coffee/tea are okay in moderation no cream)

• Hot spices/peppers

• Processed Foods

• Fried Foods