General Guidelines

The first diet to consider is a mental diet. Wrap up any loose ends at work, and arrange care for your pets, home, or other responsibilities. If possible, create some space away from daily duties and communicate clearly with loved ones about your need for time and quiet preparation. Gradually reduce stimulating activities such as watching movies, and invite more silence into your days — much like preparing for a meditation retreat. Ensure all your affairs are in order before the ceremony, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without distraction. Treat this preparation as if you were getting ready for a peaceful vacation. By taking care of the details of ordinary life, you create space for an extraordinary journey within.

Detox Is the Keyword

When it comes to physical preparation, Ayahuasca and diet are subjects of many opinions. Based on years of experience, here are simple, practical guidelines.The primary goal is to keep your digestion light and clear before the ceremony. Avoid heavy meals and large portions, particularly the day before and the day of the session. Ayahuasca can induce purging and intestinal cleansing; entering with a lighter diet prevents discomfort and supports smoother healing.The pre‑Ayahuasca dietadetoxifies the body and aligns your vibration, allowing the frequency of the medicine to rise harmoniously through you.

Use What Works Best for You

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all diet. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore depends on your constitution and beliefs. What matters most is listening to your body. Due to the presence of MAOIs in Ayahuasca, 24 hours prior to the ceremoy avoid foods containing tyrosine(red meats, eggs, aged cheese and fermented foods). Reducing sugar helps maintain glycemic balance, which enhances emotional and energetic stability.

Cannabis

Discontinue cannabis use at least three weeks before the ceremony. Cannabis inhibits the pineal gland — essential for deep work with Ayahuasca — and continued use may dull the experience or require higher doses to reach depth. If abstaining is not possible, participation in a ceremony cannot be accepted.
However, cannabis can sometimes be revisited ceremony to explore its teachings from a new perspective, particularly for those overcoming dependency.

Antidepressants and Other Medications

Certain medications — especially antidepressants and psychiatric prescriptions — can create dangerous interactions with Ayahuasca.If you have a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, Ayahuasca is strongly discouraged.
Those taking antidepressants must generally discontinue their medication 2–5 weeks before the ceremony, depending on the specific compound.List allmedications in your health questionnaire. Each case will be reviewed individually to ensure safety and proper guidance.

Supplements

To support detoxification before the ceremony, the following supplements may be helpful:
  • Psyllium husk: Take one tablespoon in the morning for 3 days prior. It stimulates bowel movement and relieves physical heaviness, improving gut balance.
  • N‑Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): 600 mg, up to two or three times daily for one week prior. NAC boosts glutathione, the body’s natural antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress. Combine with vitamin C for best results.
  • Liposomal L‑Glutathione: Can be taken directly to enhance cellular protection.
  • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Start with 1 gram daily, increasing gradually up to 6 grams (split into two doses). Drink a minimum of half a liter of water after intake. Powerful anti‑inflammatory and detox support.
  • Omega‑3 (EPA & DHA): Essential before, during, and beyond Ayahuasca preparations. Vital for heart health and brain resilience, especially in the hippocampus — the region linked to stress response and emotional balance.
    Prefer algae‑based extracts over fish oil, which often causes heartburn.

Medical and Mental Conditions

These are general recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before changing diets or adding supplements, especially if you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.Before joining any ceremony, each participant must complete a health questionnairedetailing both physical and mental history. This helps ensure your safety and the integrity of the collective experience.

My Ayahuasca Diet Comprehensive Food Guide

The Ayahuasca diet, also known as la dieta, follows principles of purification and simplicity. It focuses on natural, unprocessed foods while avoiding toxins, stimulants, and inflammation.Begin this diet at least 10 days before your ceremony for optimal results.
This approach supports physical purification, mental clarity, and spiritual openness — essential for a deep connection with the medicine.

Vegetables (Non‑Starchy)

  • Leafy greens: spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, collard greens, lettuce varieties
  • Cruciferous: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
  • Alliums: garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, scallions
  • Bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, celery, fennel, asparagus
  • Mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, cremini, portobello)
  • Green beans, snow peas, sprouts, artichokes, bamboo shoots, sea vegetables (nori, dulse, wakame, kelp)

Proteins

  • Wild‑caught fish (e.g., sardines, anchovies, wild salmon)
  • Free‑range organic eggs
  • Organic chicken or turkey
  • Tofu and tempeh (organic, non‑GMO)

Healthy Fats

  • Avocados & avocado oil
  • Extra‑virgin olive oil
  • Coconut oil & coconut milk

Nuts & Seeds

  • Almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia, pecans
  • Chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin, sesame
  • Unsweetened nut & seed butters

Herbs & Spices

  • Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, black pepper, cayenne
  • Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, dill, sage, bay leaves
  • Cumin, coriander, pure vanilla extract (no sugar)

Beverages

  • Filtered water
  • Herbal teas: chamomile, peppermint, ginger, rooibos
  • Detox teas: dandelion root, milk thistle
  • Fresh vegetable juices (no fruit)
  • Coconut water (pure, no additives)
  • Chai blends with almond or coconut milk

Fermented Foods

  • Sauerkraut, kimchi
  • Unsweetened coconut yogurt
  • Non‑dairy water kefir

Condiments & Seasonings

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Coconut aminos (for soy‑free seasoning)
  • Fresh lemon or lime juice
  • Tahini, mustard (without added sugar)
  • Sea salt (avoid Hymalyan salt)

Foods to Strictly Avoid 

  • All sugars and artificial sweeteners (try a sugar fast)
  • Alcohol and recreational drugs
  • Caffeine (coffee, black tea, energy drinks)
  • Dairy products and gluten
  • Processed foods and refined oils
  • Fermented, cured, aged, or smoked meats
  • Overripe fruits and spicy foods
  • Animal fats or proteins especially on the day of the ceremony

Sexual Activity

Try to refrain from sexual activity — including self‑sex — for at least 10 days before the ceremony.
This conserves vital life energy, heightening inner receptivity and clarifying emotional and energetic channels during the work.