You’ve probably heard of Ayahuasca retreats, but have you heard of the Ayahuasca diet? It’s not a long-term commitment, don’t worry. It’s more of a diet for your soul. Let’s unravel how you can prepare for the retreat!
Too Long; Didn’t Read
- An Ayahuasca diet is actually more of ceremony guidelines that help you prepare yourself for the spiritual journey. 🧘♀️
- Eat light, plant-based meals before and after drinking Ayahuasca. 🥗
- Avoid fermented foods, red meat, and cheese. 🧀
- Prepare yourself mentally by clearing your mind, and by abstaining from sexual activity (including masturbation). 🏩
- Following the diet can (but doesn’t always) enhance your healing journey. 👁️
What Is an Ayahuasca Diet?
Ah yes, Ayahuasca. A mystical brew that can take you to the edges of the universe of your mind. It’s been used for centuries by indigenous tribes in South America for spiritual and medicinal purposes. But the experience doesn’t narrow down only to the ceremony. No, you see, your Ayahuasca journey starts around 3 weeks before you drink the brew.
During these three weeks, you should see your body as a temple which you’re getting ready to accommodate a revered gift (Ayahuasca). The Ayahuasca diet is a crucial part of the preparation for an Ayahuasca ceremony. It’s a way to purify your body and mind, making it easier for the brew to work its magic.
One extremely important thing to remember is: don’t follow the Ayahuasca diet if you’re on a medical diet, or have certain restrictions which you must follow (like, if you’re a diabetic). You can take some parts that you like, and incorporate them in your daily diet, though.
Editor’s Note ✨
Of course, there are a few more additional steps (but they aren’t the topic of our post). You should seek out an experienced shaman, and do your research about the effects. Remember to listen to your body and trust your intuition throughout the process.
What to Eat Before and After the Ceremony?
The Ayahuasca diet involves light, plant-based meals that are easy to digest. Think: quinoa, root veggies, berry fruits, and grains. It’s also good to give yourself a little drink detox. Switch to water and teas for a week. After the ceremony, try sticking to lighter meals for a few days. This will:
- allow your body to integrate with the experience;
- make it easier for you to transition into the fully bodily way of life.
The idea behind it is to eat more “down to earth.” And it doesn’t mean eating only salads, and steamed veggies. The diet is light for your stomach, so at no point will you feel bad or heavy. We would also like to emphasize that it doesn’t have to be perfect. There are certain foods to avoid, but you won’t have a worse experience if you don’t follow the diet for a day.
Which Foods to Avoid?
We know our do’s, now let’s explore the don’ts. The biggest no-nos are heavy and processed foods, as well as foods high in tyramine (such as aged cheese and red meat). Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, contain bacteria that can interact with the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIS) in Ayahuasca. It can potentially cause dangerous side effects.
Next on our list are alcohol, and drugs. Alcohol does changes to your body that you don’t even notice. But Ayahuasca WILL notice. Some antidepressants and prescription medications can also clash with the MAO inhibitors. We believe that your mental health comes first, so we don’t encourage giving up your meds, even if for a short period of time.
Dietary Restrictions for Your Soul
Whatever you believe in (or don’t), there’s more to us than just bodies. Even if we perceive our mind just as a part of our brain chemistry, it’s still a separate dimension of ourselves. And preparing it alongside your body is just as important. How to do it?
- Take time to reflect on your intentions for the journey.
- Set clear goals for what you want to achieve.
- Practice meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness techniques to quiet your mind and connect with your inner self.
- Let yourself express your emotions freely.
A recommended but not actually necessary step is sexual abstinence at least three days before the ceremony.
Sex and masturbation can deplete your energy and distract you from the healing journey. On the other hand, if they are a part of your self-care, or connecting with yourself, we wouldn’t forbid it. After all, sexual frustration can distract you from the journey, too.
Is the Ayahuasca Diet Necessary?
Yes! But also, no. Following the Ayahuasca diet does ensure safe and effective ceremonies. It will also enhance your overall experience. By purifying (or purging) your body and mind, you’ll be able to connect more deeply with the plant medicine and receive its full benefits.
Once again, though, this diet isn’t aimed at you to follow rigorously. It’s a guidebook, giving you a certain direction. But your path may just go alongside the main road.
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