Embarking on an Ayahuasca Journey: A Guide to Pre-Retreat Dietary Preparation

The journey into the realms of Ayahuasca is a holistic venture, encompassing not only the profound exploration of the mind and spirit but also a conscientious approach to the body's readiness. The pre-retreat phase, particularly in terms of dietary choices, is a key element in optimising the Ayahuasca experience. In this  guide, we will delve deeper into the nuanced considerations and benefits of a well-thought-out pre-retreat diet.

1. A Mindful Prelude:

Before we dive into the specifics of dietary recommendations, it is crucial to approach the pre-retreat period with mindfulness. Consider this time as an intentional and sacred preparation, not only for the Ayahuasca ceremony itself but for the holistic well-being of your entire being.

2. Navigating Dietary Restrictions:

Kindly refrain from consuming the following items in addition to the previously mentioned restrictions for one week:

• Refined sugars

• Red meat

• Any form of junk food

• Pork

• Sexual activities of any kind, including masturbation

• Alcohol -The presence of these substances can interfere with the potency and clarity of the Ayahuasca experience.

• Marijuana

• Recreational drugs (cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, etc.) - 2 weeks before

• Spicy foods

• Ice, ice cream, or ice cold drinks

• Salt and pepper (in case of necessity, use salt sparingly)

• Oils (if necessary, opt for olive or coconut oil in minimal quantities)

• Animal fats (such as lard)

• Carbonated and fermented drinks (including diet sodas, energy drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and Kombucha)

• Dairy products

• Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, vinegar, kefir, pickles, yogurt)

• Caffeine and other stimulants - These substances, known for their potential to induce anxiety, can disrupt the internal balance necessary for the Ayahuasca journey.

• Sitting by light on the Ayahuasca Diet - Light, easily digestible foods contribute to a sense of physical comfort and mental clarity during the ceremony.

Pork, as well as red meat, fermented foods, yogurt, and alcohol, contain elevated levels of tyramine. As Ayahuasca functions as an MAO-inhibitor, temporarily suppressing the activation of monoamine oxidase (MAO), a crucial enzyme for tyramine breakdown, avoiding these foods is advised to prevent headaches and hypertension.

Sex, including masturbation, involves a potent energy exchange that taps into a vital reservoir. Maintaining full reserves enables the profound magic and healing potential of Ayahuasca consumption.

Please note that Any medications that react with MAOI INHIBITORS should be stooped for at least one month prior. (6 weeks) for Prozac.

Any medical concerns or questions can be further discussed upon application.As part of the preparatory journey, adhering to specific dietary restrictions is a foundational step.

Are there any herbs that should be avoided?

These Herbs Should not be consumed for at least one week before your first ceremony:

• St. Johns Wort

• Velvet Bean

• Kava

• Ephedra

• Ginseng

• Yohimbe

• Sinicuichi

3. What can I eat?

Here are some recommendations:

• Proteins: Incorporate eggs, organic free-range chicken, wild-caught mild fish (such as sole, tilapia, halibut, trout, snapper), lentils, and beans.

• Grains: Opt for nutrient-rich choices like brown rice, lentils, quinoa, wheat berries, amaranth, gluten-free pasta, whole wheat, Spelt, and Kamut.

• Vegetables: Embrace a colorful array, excluding onions, garlic, and leeks.

• Fruits: Indulge in the natural sweetness of berries, grapes, bananas, peaches, apricots, apples, and pears.

• Raw nuts + seeds: Explore a variety, avoiding peanuts. Delve into raw hemp seeds, chia seeds, and unsalted nut butter (except peanut).

• Beverages: Quench your thirst with herbal teas, coconut water, nut milk, and the pure simplicity of water.

  As you curate your Ayahuasca-friendly meals, consider enhancing flavors with:

• Fresh herbs: Elevate your dishes with the aromatic essence of basil, oregano, thyme, sage, dill, and more.

• Mild spices: Introduce a touch of depth with cumin, coriander, dill, sage, and the golden hues of turmeric.

These diverse and nourishing options not only align with Ayahuasca dietary recommendations but also offer a palette of flavors to elevate your culinary journey.

Consider transitioning to a predominantly plant-based diet in the weeks leading up to the retreat. This includes incorporating a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into your meals. A plant-based diet serves as a purifying agent, preparing the body for the reception of Ayahuasca's wisdom.

4. Minimizing Processed and Refined Foods:

As you embark on this sacred journey, minimize the intake of processed and refined foods. Opt for whole, natural foods that are rich in nutrients. Processed foods, laden with additives and chemicals, can introduce unnecessary elements that might impede the purity of the Ayahuasca experience.

5. Hydration for Physical and Energetic Balance:

Maintain optimal hydration by drinking plenty of water. Hydration supports the body's natural detoxification processes and ensures overall physical well-being. Herbal teas, especially those with mild and calming properties, can complement the hydration regimen.

6. Strategic Timing of Meals:

Consider the timing of your meals as part of the pre-retreat preparations. Consuming lighter meals earlier in the day facilitates efficient digestion, fostering a sense of lightness and mental clarity during the Ayahuasca ceremony.

7. Open Communication with Retreat Facilitators:

Communication with the facilitators of the Ayahuasca retreat is paramount. Some retreat centers provide specific dietary guidelines tailored to their practices and the specific type of Ayahuasca they use. Openly discuss your dietary practices and preferences with the facilitators to ensure a harmonious and optimal experience.

8. Post-Retreat Integration:

Beyond the preparatory phase, consider the post-retreat integration process. Gradually reintroduce foods into your diet, maintaining a focus on nourishing choices. This post-retreat period serves as an opportunity to solidify positive dietary habits and sustain a sense of balance in your ongoing journey.

Food at Chandra Healing Center

At Chandra Healing Centre, our culinary offerings are crafted with heartfelt intention. Working with our in-house nutritionist, we curate a organic, well-balanced, vegetarian and plant based menu that celebrates the goodness of delicious and nutritious raw foods and cooked meals. Imbued with the spirit of nourishment.

Our mornings unfold with a delightful array of seasonal fruit salads, superfood smoothies, granola, oatmeal, medley, and eggs, complemented by the indulgence of vegan coconut-banana-oatmeal pancakes

Food at Chandra Healing Centre are a celebration of freshness. The culinary journey continues with a diverse array of dishes, filled with nutrition, love and balance.

Our menu not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adheres to high nutritional standards within the Ayahuasca diet guidelines. Prioritizing your well-being during the dieta process, our drinking water is subjected it to a five-stage reverse osmosis system.

Indulge in the goodness of our superfood smoothies, thoughtfully crafted with local fruits, basil, flaxseed, spirulina, maca, and more, all blended to perfection. At Chandra Healing Centre, we embrace the transformative power of nourishment as an integral part of your holistic journey.

Preparing for an Ayahuasca retreat is a multi-dimensional process that extends beyond the realms of mental readiness; it is a holistic endeavor that encompasses both the tangible and the transcendental. The pre-retreat dietary considerations outlined in this comprehensive guide aim to create a harmonious bridge between the physical and the spiritual, nurturing both body and soul for a profound and transformative Ayahuasca experience.