The ayahuasca diet, often referred to as "dieta" in Spanish, extends beyond mere food restrictions. In the context of ayahuasca and sacred vine ceremonies, it encompasses a holistic preparation involving physical, social, and psychological elements to facilitate a deeper connection with the plant spirit. Rooted in the traditions of the Amazon basin, the dieta is not exclusive to ayahuasca experiences but also applies to healing practices, consultations, divinations, and even hunting, where plants are regarded as integral to daily life.
Understanding the Ayahuasca Diet
While the Western world typically prescribes a more extensive list of restrictions, the core principle remains the same: to purify the body and mind to become a clearer vessel for the energies encountered during the ayahuasca experience. Shamans in the Amazon traditionally isolate themselves, spending extended periods in the jungle consuming specific foods with symbolic significance, such as fresh fish, jungle animals, cassava, and plantain.
The modern interpretation of the ayahuasca diet involves abstaining from specific foods and substances for a period leading up to and following the ceremony. This commitment can last for several weeks, beginning when you decide to participate in a retreat and continuing for weeks after drinking the brew. The purpose is to cleanse the body, making it easier to connect with subtle energies and promoting overall well-being.
Why Follow the Ayahuasca Diet?
There are several compelling reasons to adhere to the ayahuasca diet:
- Enhanced Connection: When our bodies are free of toxins, we can connect with subtle energies more easily. The ayahuasca vine facilitates this connection, and a clean vessel enhances the experience.
- Reduced Discomfort: Ignoring dietary guidelines can lead to unpleasant physical experiences during the ceremony, such as nausea, discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Improved Healing: Sacred energies help the body heal itself. By preparing the body, you can facilitate this process and recover more quickly after the ceremony.
- Protection: Ayahuasca sessions leave individuals emotionally, mentally, and physically vulnerable. Following the diet provides a form of protection, aiding in safe reintegration.
- Commitment to Change: The discipline required to follow the diet can instill a sense of commitment to positive lifestyle changes that extend beyond the ceremony.
- Spiritual Alignment: Cleansing the body through diet aligns it with the spiritual goals of the ceremony.
- Enhanced Sensitivity: Avoiding certain foods and substances increases sensitivity to ayahuasca’s effects.
- Mental Clarity: The diet encourages mental purification by avoiding stimulating substances.
- Emotional Balance: By avoiding stress, sexual activity, and emotional triggers, the diet supports emotional stability.
- Optimized Integration: Post-ceremony adherence to the diet helps sustain the spiritual, mental, and physical benefits gained during the experience.
- Scientific Reasons: Ayahuasca contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that interact with various foods, particularly those high in tyramine.
Foods and Substances to Avoid
While specific guidelines may vary depending on the retreat, some common restrictions include:
Read also: Dietary Restrictions for Ayahuasca
- Processed and Refined Foods: Avoid junk foods, sugary foods and drinks, salty snacks, unhealthy fats, and spicy foods.
- Red Meat and Pork: These meats are generally avoided due to their heavy nature and potential impact on energy levels.
- Fermented Foods: These include aged cheeses, sauerkraut, soy products, and alcohol.
- Spices: Garlic, onions, chilies, spices, and foods high in citric acids are best avoided.
- Alcohol, Weed, and Caffeine: These stimulants can interfere with the ayahuasca experience and shorten the afterglow.
- Recreational and Prescription Drugs: Any street drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines are strictly prohibited because they have life threatening interactions with Ayahuasca.
- Dairy Products: Especially aged or fermented dairy, such as cheese and yogurt, should be avoided due to their tyramine content.
- Avocados and Overripe Fruits: Avocados contain moderate levels of tyramine, especially when overripe. Eating an avocado before an ayahuasca ceremony increases the risk of adverse reactions, such as elevated blood pressure, when combined with the MAOIs in ayahuasca.
- Tofu and Other Soy Products: Soy contains tyramine and phytoestrogens, which interferes with the effects of ayahuasca.
- Bread: Some breads contain small amounts of tyramine, which interact negatively with ayahuasca’s MAOIs.
According to shamanic teachings, spicy foods have a "cutipado" effect, which can affect the energies being channeled. From a physical perspective, these foods can cause unpleasant sensations if purged during the ceremony.
Tyramine, naturally present in many foods, cannot be processed effectively due to the monoamine oxidase inhibition caused by ayahuasca. While pharmaceutical MAOIs can cause extreme reactions, the effects with ayahuasca are generally less severe but can still lead to a suboptimal experience.
When it comes to animal products, consider the source. Traditional ceremonies may allow free-range chicken raised in humane conditions. However, commercially raised animals often endure poor treatment and are exposed to chemicals, which can negatively impact the energy consumed.
Foods to Include
The ayahuasca diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods:
- Whole Grains: Opt for wild or brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Prioritize a variety of colorful produce, avoiding overripe fruits. Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens (spinach, kale), cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots are light, nutrient-rich, and easily digestible. Fresh, non-acidic fruits like apples, pears, papayas, and bananas provide natural sugars and hydration without overwhelming the digestive system.
- Legumes: Include green peas, lentils, and other pulses in your meals. Light and easily digestible, beans and lentils offer a good source of plant-based protein.
- Light Protein: If consuming animal protein, light, non-fatty fish (e.g., steamed or baked) in small quantities are included in the diet.
- Water and Herbal Teas: Stay hydrated with water or herbal teas, avoiding sugary juices.
On the day of the ceremony, eat light, plant-based meals and ensure your last meal is at least four hours prior to the session.
Read also: Ayahuasca Diet Restrictions
Spiritual Cleansing and Lifestyle Adjustments
Beyond dietary restrictions, spiritual cleansing is crucial:
- Isolation and Reflection: Seek solitude to connect with your thoughts and minimize distractions.
- Digital Detox: Reduce your reliance on digital devices to avoid sensory overload and reconnect with the present moment.
- Abstinence from Sexual Activity: Refrain from sexual activity to conserve energy for the spiritual journey.
- Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, journaling, or deep breathing to mentally prepare for the spiritual experience.
The modern world bombards us with stimuli, leading to sensory overload and stress. By consciously reducing these inputs, we can create space for self-reflection and deeper understanding.
Medications and Contraindications
It is crucial to be aware of potential contraindications, especially concerning medications:
- SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with ayahuasca.
- MAOIs: Pharmaceutical MAOIs can be dangerous when taken with ayahuasca.
Consult with your healthcare provider and the retreat facilitator to determine if you can temporarily discontinue any medications.
Preparing for the Ayahuasca Retreat
Setting the right intention is paramount. Approach the experience with respect, recognizing its potential to recalibrate your being and provide profound insights. Cultivate a balance between purposeful intention and letting go of expectations.
Read also: Ayahuasca Diet Guide
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, focus on consuming a balanced and healthy diet. Pay attention to your body and make conscious choices that support your well-being. Embrace this time as an opportunity to tune into yourself and place more intention and care on balanced food and lifestyle choices.
Post-Ceremony Diet and Integration
Continue to follow the ayahuasca diet for at least 3 days to 1 week after the ceremony. This supports the integration process and allows you to fully absorb the insights gained.
- Light, Easily Digestible Foods: Consume simple, nourishing foods such as steamed vegetables, quinoa, rice, and light soups.
- Mindful Reflection: Spend time journaling, reflecting, or meditating on the experiences and insights gained during the ceremony.
- Gentle Physical Activity: Light activities like walking, yoga, or gentle stretching helps release physical tension and promote relaxation.
- Emotional Awareness: Be mindful of any emotional shifts, as the ayahuasca experience stirs up deep-seated emotions.
- Avoid Overstimulation: After the ceremony, avoid excess stimulation from social media, work, or high-stress activities.
- Community Support: Engage in supportive, open-hearted conversations with trusted individuals or fellow ceremony participants.
Extending the diet for an additional week or two after the ceremony will help you stay open to the insights you gained during the experience. Consider limiting refined foods and sugar in the long term to promote physical and emotional well-being.
Making gentle long-term lifestyle changes supports the integration of the insights gained and promotes sustained spiritual growth. This includes practices such as daily meditation, journaling, regular exercise, prioritizing rest and recovery, and spending time in nature.
Meal Ideas for the Ayahuasca Diet
Here are some meal ideas that align with the ayahuasca diet:
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal with fresh fruit, flaxseed, and nuts.
- DIY Almond Milk: Homemade almond milk used in smoothies, herbal tea, or on oatmeal.
- Eggs On Toast: Organic free-range eggs (prepared without any spices or dairy) on toast.
- DIY Nut Butter on Toast: Cashew, pecan, or walnut butter on toast or apple slices.
- Smoothies: Fresh fruit and vegetables blended with DIY nut butter and almond milk.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes enjoyed solo or with an egg.
- Salads: Fresh vegetables drizzled with olive oil.
- Buddha Bowls: Quinoa topped with roasted vegetables and fresh greens.
- Freshly Roasted or Steamed Veggies on Rice: Rice with a raw egg stirred in (optional).
- Baked Chicken with Roasted Veggies: Simple baked chicken with fresh baguette and roasted vegetables.
- Steamed, Baked or Roasted Fish with Rice and Veggies: Fish prepared without spices or butter.
Remember to drink lots of clean, fresh water and herbal tea.
Potential Benefits of the Ayahuasca Diet
Many people find that eliminating restricted foods from their diet promotes their physical well-being in ways they have never experienced before. This includes improved skin, deeper sleep, increased focus, and more energy.
If you find the dieta to be too restrictive, consider if you are fully prepared for the journey with ayahuasca. While ayahuasca can be a beautiful communion with spirit, it can also offer challenges and difficulties that make the dieta seem fairly simple.
What to Do During the Shamanic Diet
- Read, listen to (or play) contemplative music (acoustic instruments only, respecting the peace of other people).
- Write, rest, sleep, dream, have visions, meditate.
- Drink Ayahuasca, San Pedro (optional extra), smoke Toé and have Camalonga together with the shaman-s.
- Drink freshly squeezed Toé juice and black jungle Tobacco (depending on the specific programme you book).
- Learn how to conduct Ayahuasca ceremonies, helping the shaman during the rituals (shamanic apprenticeship only, 3+ months onwards).
- Smoke Mapacho (organic black jungle Tobacco).
- Jungle hikes with shaman and guide/facilitator, getting to know the many master trees, as well as the medicinal and teacher plants found in the 70 hectares of beautiful rainforest surrounding the centre.
- Shamanic rituals with the master trees and the giant black ayahuasca (Suni ayahuasca) vine growing wild in the jungle surrounding our retreat venue.
With the shamanic diet one will be in tune with the Plant Spirit’s subtle world, and become more sensitive to the plants’ energies.