THE AYAHUASCA
DIET

WHAT IS THE AYAHUASCA DIET?

The ayahuasca diet is a set of restrictions implemented for a period of time (usually 3 -7 days) before drinking ayahuasca. Rooted in indigenous traditions and influenced by the modern MAOI dietary restrictions, the ayahuasca diet is designed to cleanse the body, purify the mind, prepare the energetic body and minimize potential discomforts during the ayahuasca ceremony.

The diet is not just about avoiding certain foods but is about discipline, sacrifice, commitment, and respect. This approach helps to reduce physical toxins, clear out heavy energy and remove distractions, allowing the participant to connect more deeply with the medicine and the spiritual realm.

Different traditions have their own unique guidelines and practices. It’s essential to distinguish between the Ayahuasca Diet and a Master Plant Dieta, as their restrictions and purposes are often misunderstood or mistakenly used interchangeably.

At New Life Rising, we ask our participants to engage in mindful consumption. This means bringing awareness to what you consume, how often you consume, and why you consume. This examination extends beyond food and should be considered in every element of our daily lives. In the western world, we often rely on eating takeout, at restaurants, or prepackaged meals. We spend hours indoors and in front of screens. We ask our guests to be mindful of what they take in, both physically and mentally, to promote overall well-being.

The foods we consume and our daily habits significantly influence our mental and physical well-being. Reflecting on these behaviors and making small, intentional shifts toward healthier choices is the first step toward healing.

Moderate amounts of caffeine, salt, oils, meats and spices are all fine to consume before your retreat.

Just eat smart and healthy and you’ll be fine. All meals provided at New Life Rising are vegan with gluten-free options and prepared with locally sourced, organic (when possible) fresh fruits and vegetables.

THINGS TO ENJOY

Fruits and vegetables

Rice, bread, and pasta

Nuts and grains

Salt

Coffee

Chicken, Beef or Fish

Beans and legumes

Healthy Fats and Oils

Greens

Books

Nature

Sunlight

Time Alone

Time with Loved Ones

THINGS TO AVOID

Pork

Dairy

Spicy food

Processed Food

Excessive Screen Time

Florescent Lights

Seed Oils

WHAT TO ENJOY AND WHAT TO AVOID

DIET VS DIETA

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?

There are essentially two separate and independent aspects of the ayahuasca diet that are typically lumped into one general set of regulations.

AYAHUASCA DIET – The ayahuasca diet is prescribed in regard to food interactions with the MAOIs found in ayahuasca. They include avoidance of foods high in tyramine, a naturally occurring byproduct of the amino acid Tyrosine. MAOIs block monoamine oxidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down excess tyramine in the body. Excessive tyramine can elevate blood pressure and lead to a hypertensive crisis. Aged foods contain the highest level of tyramine, so you want to avoid things like cured meats, aged cheeses, pickled or fermented foods, and alcohol. You would have to eat a lot of foods very high in tyramine for it to reach a dangerous level.

MASTER PLANT DIETA – A dieta is prescribed by an ayahuasquero or curandero for a specific purpose. Often, it is to heal physical illness. Dietas are also used when learning to work with ayahuasca, to build protection, to develop plant allies, to get rid of negative spirits, and to heal spiritual diseases. The dieta is extremely strict and includes no salt, no oils, no spices, no sugar, no vegetables, no fruits, and no sexual activity. Most often, the dieta consists of rice, potato, and occasionally boiled chicken, plantain or egg. Dietas are often done in isolation and prohibit the use of toothpaste, soaps, deodorant, and shampoos. Dietas also include the use of a master teacher plant in conjunction with ayahuasca.

DIET VS DIETA

DIET REQUIREMENTS:

Restricted for 7 days prior to arrival-

Drug Use – includes prescription drugs and recreational drugs
Alcohol

Restricted for 3 days prior to arrival-

Artificial Sugars - (Real sugars are okay such as: raw sugar, honey, real maple syrup, fruits, agave)
Pork
Fermented foods
Dairy Products (Eggs okay)
Hot spices/peppers
Processed Foods
Seed Oils

REGARDING MEDICATIONS

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Part of the diet is also in regard to medication. You can find more information regarding medical interactions on our safety page. Please disclose all medications/medical conditions during the screening process. Safety is our highest priority.

SAFETY INFO