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The Complete Ayahuasca Diet: Essential Guide for Ceremony Preparation

Updated: Oct 21

Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine, long used by indigenous Amazonian tribes for profound spiritual healing and deep self-discovery. But before you can experience the transformative power of this ancient brew, proper preparation is essential. This isn't just about showing up; it's a sacred commitment to yourself and the medicine.



Rooted in the traditions of cultures like the Shipibo of Peru and the Cofans of Colombia, the Ayahuasca diet—or dieta—is a critical first step. Based on my experience guiding hundreds of participants, I’ve seen that struggles to connect with the medicine almost always come down to three key things:

  • The Diet: Participants who don't follow the dieta often find it difficult to fully surrender to the experience.

  • Fear and Resistance: The fear of letting go and a mental resistance to the process.

  • Mental Preparation: A lack of personal work or an overactive mind that gets in the way of true surrender.


This guide will focus on the most critical point: the diet. The other two, fear and mental preparation, can be addressed by finding a trusted guide and doing your personal work before the retreat. Remember, this is a journey from the mind to the heart.




Healthy diet, ayahuasca meal diet preparation


Approaching the Ceremony with Intention

Your mindset is paramount. Approach the ceremony with gentleness, humility, and respect. Ayahuasca is not a recreational drug; it's a sacred tool for healing. When you show the medicine respect, its spirit will respond in kind, opening doors of wisdom for you.


Many participants arrive with a "shopping list" of demands, only to realize that Ayahuasca isn't a genie in a bottle. It's an intelligent spirit that communicates through profound visions and feelings. The medicine will guide you toward your deeper process, helping you make the decisions you need to live a life of freedom and happiness. Ultimately, you are your own guru, master, and healer.


The best intentions are open and focused on themes like healing, wisdom, connection, freedom, or love. The medicine will show you what you need most in your journey, not what you think you want.



Why the Ayahuasca Diet Is So Important

The dietary restrictions before an Ayahuasca ceremony are crucial for both spiritual and physical reasons.


From a spiritual perspective, the diet is a way to purify your body and calm your mind. It’s a powerful act of reverence for the medicine, demonstrating your commitment to the healing process. When your physical body is clean, your energy is more available for spiritual work. Participants with a history of poor diet or heavy substance use often spend their entire ceremony just cleansing, without being able to access a deeper transformative experience.


From a scientific perspective, the diet is a matter of safety. Ayahuasca contains harmala alkaloids, which are MAO-inhibitors. These compounds temporarily block the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme, which breaks down a substance called tyramine. If you eat foods high in tyramine while under the influence of Ayahuasca, you can experience a dangerous rise in blood pressure, known as a hypertensive crisis. Symptoms can include severe headaches, nausea, and an increased heart rate.




For this reason, the dietary restrictions are not a suggestion—they are mandatory for your safety.

The complete Ayahuasca diet preparation for retreat ceremony


Suggested Ayahuasca Dietary Guidelines

To prepare for your ceremony, follow these guidelines. When in doubt, it’s always better to be overly cautious.


1-4 Weeks Before and After the Ceremony:

The following items must be avoided to ensure a safe and profound experience:

  • Medications: This includes SSRIs, antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, lithium, amphetamines, and all supplements and adaptogens (tryptophan, melatonin, and St. John's Wort). Consult your doctor and retreat facilitator immediately if you are on any of these medications, as discontinuing them can be dangerous.

  • Drugs and Alcohol: Avoid all recreational drugs, including marijuana, and alcohol.

  • Foods: Stay away from pork and red meat; foods high in tyramine like aged cheeses, dried fruits, processed meats (bacon, smoked fish), and fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, soy sauce, miso); caffeine, cacao, vinegar, and highly refined sugars; and onions and garlic.

  • Other: A digital detox is highly recommended. Limit your exposure to social media and news. Avoid all sexual activity, crowds, horror movies, and loud, chaotic environments. Use organic and natural hygiene products to minimize chemical exposure.


2-4 Weeks Before the Ceremony:

Focus on a clean, simple, and light diet, preferably organic and vegetarian. Recommended foods include:

  • Vegetables: Potatoes, zucchini, green beans, chard, beets, mushrooms, and green salads.

  • Fruits: Apples, slightly unripe bananas, and plums.

  • Nuts: Almonds and hazelnuts.

  • Grains: Rice, quinoa, and plain rice cakes.

  • Legumes: Green lentils, red lentils, kidney beans, and split peas.

  • Proteins: Hard-boiled eggs (every 2–3 days).

  • Beverages: Water, unsweetened rice milk, and herbal teas (mate, rosemary, chamomile). Avoid sodas, juices with added sugar, and caffeinated beverages.

  • Cooking: Cook by boiling, steaming, or baking. Use raw olive oil minimally and season with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and dill. Milder spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric are also acceptable.


Post-Ceremony Diet and Integration

The journey doesn't end when the ceremony does. Maintaining a healthy diet in the days and weeks following your retreat is just as important. Avoid alcohol and other substances for at least one week to allow your body and spirit to integrate the experience. Those who continue the diet for a few more weeks often find that the positive effects of the retreat are intensified.

Following the Ayahuasca diet is a profound act of self-love and respect. It prepares you to receive the full healing potential of the medicine and ensures your physical safety.



If you are looking for a safe and transformative Ayahuasca retreat, you are welcome at our Inner Evolution Retreat at the Holistika Center.






By Ritshi Zenati, Speaker & Life Coach at Holistika Center.





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