The Dieta
Ayahuasca and Yagé carry many traditions, each with a different way of preparing for ceremony. We hold deep respect for all of them.
Our dieta starts with paying attention.
So we start there: attention.
What are you consuming? How does it make you feel? What helps you feel nourished, rested, hydrated, and clear? What leaves you feeling depleted, heavy, overstimulated, or disconnected?
Food is part of that conversation. So are sleep, alcohol, caffeine, social media, movement, relationships …everything you're taking in as you approach ceremony.
First: Medication & Safety
An important distinction exists between the dieta you choose to follow and the medical considerations surrounding ayahuasca. Certain medications, substances, and medical conditions can create serious risks when combined with ayahuasca.
This is why every new participant completes our medical form before sitting with us, and why Sarah reviews your information and discusses anything relevant with you before ceremony.
Please disclose all medications, supplements, recreational substances, and relevant medical history - even if you aren't sure whether something matters.
Medications that affect serotonin and other neurotransmitter systems ( including some antidepressants) require particular attention because of potentially dangerous interactions with ayahuasca.
Please do not stop, taper, change, or skip prescribed medication in order to attend ceremony without discussing it with the clinician responsible for your care. If anything changes after you complete your medical form, let us know before you arrive.
Preparing Your Body
Ceremony asks a lot of the body. Many of our guests travel to Costa Rica before arriving at Casa Sagrada, and travel can disrupt sleep, digestion, hydration, and routine. Then you are entering an all-night ceremony. You won't eat during the night, your access to water will be limited while you are in the medicine, and you may purge.
Hydration matters. Aim to drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily in the days leading up to ceremony, and consider adding electrolytes, especially after long flights or time in hot weather. Watch your urine color; pale yellow is a good sign you're well hydrated.
What Should I Eat?
Choose fresh, nourishing foods that your body already digests well.
(01) Fresh fruits and vegetables
(02) Rice, quinoa, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, plantains, or other simple carbohydrates
(03) Beans and lentils, if they work well for you
(04) Fish, chicken, eggs, or other simple proteins already part of your diet
(05) Soups and broths
(06) Water, coconut water, and electrolytes
As ceremony approaches, consider reducing highly processed foods, very heavy meals, excessive sugar, fried foods, alcohol, and anything else you already know makes your body work harder. You don't need to suddenly eat foods your body isn't accustomed to simply because you're coming to ceremony.
What About Coffee & Alcohol?
Alcohol
Consider the experience you're preparing your body for. Travel can be dehydrating. Guanacaste is hot. Ceremony can be dehydrating, and purging can further contribute to fluid loss. Alcohol adds to that burden, so we encourage giving your body space from it before ceremony.
Coffee
Coffee deserves a little more nuance. Caffeine can contribute to dehydration, but abruptly removing it when your body is accustomed to having it every day can also leave you with headaches, fatigue, and irritability. If you want to reduce your caffeine before ceremony, give yourself enough time to do it gradually.
The goal is to arrive nourished, hydrated, and rested.
Release any pressure to do the dieta “perfectly.”
Trust that your intentional preparation is enough.
Different Traditions, Different Dietas
If you search for an “ayahuasca dieta” online, you'll find many different instructions. You may see recommendations to avoid:
Garlic & onions. Salt. Sugar. Red meat. Pork. Spicy foods. Fermented foods. Dairy. Caffeine. Alcohol. Cannabis. Sexual activity.
These teachings come from different traditions and ways of working with the medicine. Within some yagé traditions, for example, garlic and onions are avoided because they are believed to interfere with visions. Other traditions approach them differently.
You are welcome to explore these teachings and incorporate what feels appropriate into your preparation.
Beyond Food…Just Notice.
The days before ceremony are also an opportunity to notice what else you're consuming.
How do you feel:
After two hours on social media?
After watching the news?
After a difficult conversation?
After spending time outside?
After moving your body?
After a full night's sleep?
The Day of Ceremony
Morning
Eat a nourishing breakfast and lunch that you know your body digests well.
Through the day
Hydrate throughout the morning and afternoon.
After 2 PM
Please stop eating and drink only water, coconut water, or herbal tea.
Remember
You don't need to fast all day. Arrive nourished. Arrive hydrated. And let us take care of you from there.
