Dieta
The traditional plant dieta — dietary, sexual and behavioral protocols before, during and after working with ayahuasca. Essential preparation across most Amazonian lineages.
The dieta is protective, not superstitious. Serotonergic foods, certain medications and unresolved life chaos can turn a ceremony dangerous or wasted. Respecting the protocol is respect for yourself and the plant.
Essential questions
The questions people ask most often on this topic — with clear, sourced answers.
- What foods must I avoid before ayahuasca?
Aged, fermented, cured and high-tyramine foods (aged cheese, cured meats, soy sauce, kombucha, sauerkraut), plus alcohol, recreational drugs and — critically — SSRIs and other serotonergic medications. Salt, sugar, spicy food and pork are traditionally cut for at least 3–7 days as well.
- How strictly do I need to follow the dieta?
The medical restrictions (SSRIs, MAOI interactions, tyramine) are non-negotiable and can be dangerous to break. The traditional restrictions (salt, sugar, pork, sex) are more about clarity and respect — stricter is usually better, but talk with your facilitator about what your specific ceremony requires.