AYAHUASCA DIET: COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOUR RETREAT IN THE AMAZON JUNGLE OF PERU

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The ayahuasca diet is a fundamental aspect in preparing for a medicinal plant retreat in the Amazon rainforest. Before consuming ayahuasca, specific guidelines must be followed. Both physical and mental preparation are important for a safe and transformative experience with ayahuasca.

ayahuasca diet before and after

Physical ayahuasca preparation diet

Before taking ayahuasca, it is recommended to follow a special diet to prepare the body and mind for the experience. This diet usually consists of avoiding certain foods and substances that may interfere with the effects of ayahuasca. We recommend following this diet for 3 to 5 days or more before the ceremony; the longer, the better.

Every person is different, so adapt the diet to your possibilities: what matters is following it. We also recommend avoiding sexual activity in the days before the ceremony.

Foods to avoid in ayahuasca diet before

  • Alcohol
  • Fermented foods
  • Heavy meats like pork
  • Processed meats
  • Dairy
  • Very ripe fruits
  • Vitamins
  • Protein supplements and drinks
  • Fried and spicy food
  • Coffee and caffeinated drinks
  • Limit salt, oil and processed sugars

Recommended foods for physical preparation

To prepare your body optimally, it is advisable to follow a diet rich in fresh and natural foods . Some recommended options are:

  • Vegetables
  • Integral rice
  • Quinoa
  • Oatmeal
  • Lentils

Preferably organic and accompanied by adequate hydration, drinking plenty of water. Avoiding the consumption of prescription drugs, especially MAOI or SSRI antidepressants, is crucial for your safety during the ayahuasca experience. 

How Your Diet Influences the Experience

What you eat in the days before the ceremony can influence:

  • the clarity of the experience;
  • the intensity of the physical purge;
  • how grounded you feel afterwards.

A well-prepared body receives the medicine with less resistance.

Mental preparation for an ayahuasca retreat

Before participating in an ayahuasca retreat, it is important to work on mental preparation, which can make all the difference during the ceremony. Below are some recommended practices:

Limit thoughts and beliefs before the ceremony

  • Practice meditation to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
  • It drives away negative thoughts and opens space for introspection.
  • Work on releasing limiting beliefs that may interfere with the experience.

Establish clear intentions and best practices

  • Write down your intentions for the ceremony, focusing on what you wish to explore or heal.
  • Visualize the positive outcome of the ayahuasca experience.
  • Practice gratitude and acceptance, preparing your mind to receive the plant’s messages.
  • Write about your intention in a journal.
  • Practice breathwork or gentle movement, such as yoga or walking.
  • Spend less time on social media and screens in the days before.

Ayahuasca experience during the ceremony

ayahuasca preparation diet

During the ceremony, always follow the guidance of the maestro ayahuasquero and the facilitators. You can read how a ceremony works step by step on our Ayahuasca Ceremonies page.

Safety and post-ceremony recommendations

Your diet after ayahuasca

After the ceremony your body, especially your stomach, is sensitive after the purge. That is why it is important to keep eating light for 48 hours or more.

What to avoid after the ceremony

  • Alcohol
  • Pork and red meat
  • Sugar, sweets and sugary drinks
  • Pastries and refined flour
  • Fried, greasy or spicy food

What you can eat

  • Vegetables and fruit
  • Rice, quinoa and oats
  • Nuts
  • Fish and chicken breast
  • Plenty of water

Rest as much as you need and avoid stressful situations while you integrate the experience.

Sexual abstinence and connection with nature after the retreat

Also avoid sexual activity for 48 hours or more after the ceremony, so you can integrate the experience calmly. It is important to connect with nature, breathe fresh air, take walks in the open air and practice gratitude towards the natural environment. This connection can help process the lessons learned during the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions about the ayahuasca diet

What is the ayahuasca dieta?

The dieta is a set of food and lifestyle guidelines that help prepare your body, mind and emotions for the ayahuasca experience.

How many days before the ceremony should I start the diet?

We recommend starting 3 to 5 days or more before the ceremony. The longer you follow it, the better prepared your body will be.

How long should I follow the diet after the ceremony?

We recommend eating light for 48 hours or more after the ceremony so your body can recover properly.

What can I eat after ayahuasca?

Light, natural food: vegetables, fruit, rice, quinoa, oats, nuts, fish and chicken breast. Avoid alcohol, pork, sugar and fried or spicy food.

Does the diet make the ceremony stronger?

It does not make the brew stronger, but it helps your body and mind be more receptive and clear, which can deepen the experience.