Pre Retreat Diet Recommendations

Preparing your body and mind before an Ayahuasca retreat helps ensure a safe, powerful, and transformative experience. Following a simple, clean diet in the days or weeks leading up to the retreat can support clarity, reduce potential side effects, and deepen your connection to the medicine.

General Guidelines

• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs at least 1–2 weeks before the retreat.
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine (coffee, black tea, energy drinks) to help your nervous system relax.
• Avoid processed foods, fried foods, and refined sugar. Focus on whole, natural foods.
• Limit salt and heavy seasonings, which can interfere with the body’s energy flow.
• Avoid pork and red meat for at least a few days prior.

Recommended Foods

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (lightly cooked or raw)
• Whole grains (rice, quinoa, oats)
• Legumes in moderation (lentils, beans)
• Fresh fish or light, lean protein if desired
• Herbal teas and plenty of water

Optional Practices

• Gentle exercise such as yoga, walking, or stretching to help ground energy
• Mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to set intentions for your retreat
• Limiting salt, sugar, and overly spicy foods to reduce digestive strain

Days Before Ceremony

• Focus on simple, light meals.
• Avoid heavy, greasy, or difficult-to-digest foods the day before the ceremony.
• Eat smaller portions to keep the body light and sensitive to the medicine.

Tip: Preparing your body and mind with care not only supports your experience during the ceremony but also helps your integration afterward.