AYAHUASCA DIET RECIPES - what to eat and not to eat
The goal of the Ayahuasca diet is to make the body and mind light and in the best possible state to receive a transformational sacrament :
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Your commitment and respect for the medicine is essential in developing a strong relationship with the plant spirit.
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In addition, purge (whether by mouth or lower gate) is a major release during the process of Ayahuasca. Preparation and diet makes the purge smoother and easier on the body.
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We also "journey" in a group and the food and substances are exuded in a kind of psychedelic cloud during ceremony. They are palatable in the Shamanic world. So we try to reduce the effect of clouds that may hinder the experience.
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In the following section we will go in detail through the reasonings behind each diet component. We like to be informative because nothing should ever be followed blindly. An informed mind can ask questions more refined in character and make its own decisions.
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ORGANIC GARDEN - SHAMBALLA PERU
AYAHUASCA DIET ...... "SIMPLE AND CLEAN"
" Refrain from meat, oils, sugar and salt, fermented and overripe foods, cheeses "
The Ayahausca diet is a simple one that does not engage in much of the complexities of the modern palate. Sugar and salt are refrained from by the tribal Shaman, we copy their history. Shamanic tribes were very much aware of the signature they imposed on ceremony and physical health. Refraining from oils and meat is the same , it just allows a lightness in the digestive track and the lower gate. Stay away from fermented foods or over-ripe foods, cheeses such as parmesan, as they produce tyramines that combined with Ayahuasca can increase you blood pressure and induce headaches.
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PRODUCE GROWN IN THE SACRED VALLEY - SHAMBALLA PERU
LIGHT AND HEALTHY BREAKFAST SHAMBALLA PERU
Give your nervous system a rest from casual drinking, coffee, energy drinks and cigarettes'
Avoid stimulating substances such as coffee, alcohol (casual drinking) and if possible cigarettes. The refraining from coffee, alcohol etc gives the body and nervous system a rest. It also allows Ayahuasca full scope in your "repair process", rather than having to work against the spirit of a substance. Caffeine stimulates the CNS, creating unnecessary tension in the body and this easily escalates into possible discomfort during the ceremony.
Having said this if you are struggling with coffee, cigarettes or casual drinking do not be hard on yourself, this is definitely the way of the middle path.
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We do encourage you to initiate a conversation with us regarding this, as we will gladly offer some guidance.
Many participants of Ayahuasca Retreats loose these toxic habits for good during their first retreat. We have witnessed many permanent and life-changing stories stories and encourage you to do your best.
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Clean your system from substances of addiction and preserve your energy (including sexual)
Substances of addiction: Cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, alcohol etc are substances that consume higher energies out of your body.
The concept of conserving energy for the process of transformation is essential.
The same with sexual activity we ask for refraining from all sexual activity prior and after the ceremony. This gives us energies to work with during the retreat. Energy is stored in order to be able to literally melt and reconstruct old patterns.
FRESH AND FLAVORSOME STARTER - LUNCH MENU - SHAMBALLA SPAIN
WARM AND FILLING - 100% VEGETERIAN - SHAMBALLA PERU
Potentially dangerous - antidepressants and prescription medications - DISCUSS WITH US
Antidepressants and prescription medications shall be discussed and handled on a one on one basis, so please contact us and discuss.
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Ayahuasca being a MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor ) means that it will inhibit amines ( tyramine in particular ) in the body. For that reason caution is taken with prescription medications because they can interfere with the vine and cause a hypertension crisis.
Antidepressants are non-reversible MAOI, Ayahuasca is a reversible MAOI, basically meaning MAOI in Ayahuasca reverses in a short period of time and MAOI from antidepressants may take weeks, hence the danger of antidepressants in this field.
SHOULD I FAST BEFORE RETREAT?
In all spiritual traditions fasting is seen not only as a cleansing and preparation of the body, but a way in which to refine the sensitive fields within the bodies' flesh. This form of preparation also empties the digestive track giving Ayahuasca a greater influence over the microbial digestive system. The influence of Ayahuasca in the gut microbiome provides for many changes months after the ceremonies.
Fasting also prepares the mind making it more centered. If you are someone who has fasted previous or new to this modality please let us know your details and intention, so we can be informed.
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Having said that, we would not recommend fasting if you had no prior experience with it. As we have witnessed few cases where capacity of the person was weakened emotionally and psychologically. So a chat if you intend to is always good to clarify the process.
SACRED MOUNTAINS VIEW - SHAMBALLA PERU
DIET DURING SHAMBALLA RETREAT
At Shamballa’ retreats we cater for the needs of your Ayahausca diet providing fresh organic produce in accordance with recommended guidelines and your specific dietary needs or allergies.
But that does not mean you have to exist on a diet of boiled potatoes. Our desire is that during the ayahuasca retreat you will get inspiration for clean yet tasty and intricate dishes from our chef.
Shamballa retreats in Peru feature an open kitchen layout so all participants could see how the food is made and learn new recipes to bring back home. Most of the ingredients are picked straight from the garden or nearby farms.
DINING AREA - SHAMBALLA PERU
CAN I STOP THE DIET AFTER RETREAT?
The diet should be carried for as long as possible after the ceremonies as well because is gives the gut microbiome a head start. And the possibility of a beneficial hormonal cascade may continue. Accompanied with potentially permanent changes in habits and one's lifestyle.
WHY IS AYAHUASCA DIET IMPORTANT?
RECOMMENDED AYAHUASCA DIET​
Please abstain from the following foods and substances:
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2 weeks before ceremony
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All anti-depressant medications (please disclose to us specifics about antidepressants you are taking / consult it with us)
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All recreational drugs (cocaine, MDMA, LSD, cannabis etc)
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1 week before and after the ceremony (if possible, extend it to 2 weeks)
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Prescription drugs (unless approved by healing center – please consult with us)
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Salt and pepper (e.g table salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, etc.)
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Hot spices/chilies
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Refined sugars and sweets
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Alcohol and caffeine (coffee, green tea, black tea etc)
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Cacao, cocoa, and chocolate
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Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
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Vinegar or pickled foods
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Onion or garlic
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Citrus fruits
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Red meat o Oils and fats (except coconut/olive oil very sparingly for cooking)
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Soft drinks, energy drinks, non-alcoholic beer
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Fermented foods (kimchi, tofu, tempeh etc)
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Overripe, bruised, and dried fruit
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Protein extracts, powdered protein supplements and shakes o
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Yeast or yeast extracts (simple unleavened, unsalted breads are okay)
3 days before the ceremony
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All other medications and supplements
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Remember if you have any doubts please just contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions.
FRUITY DELIGHT - SHAMBALLA PERU
WHAT CAN I EAT.....
AYAHUASCA DIET RECIPES
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Proteins: eggs (poached, hard-boiled, scrambled), organic free-range chicken, wild-caught mild fish (sole, seabass, turbot, tilapia, halibut, trout, snapper etc), lentils, beans
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Grains: brown rice, lentils, quinoa, wheat berries, amaranth, gluten-free pasta, whole wheat, spelt, kamut
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Veggies: ALL vegetables EXCEPT onions and garlic
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Fruits: all, except citrus and overripe fruits
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Raw nuts + seeds (unsalted)
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Beverages: Herbal teas, coconut water, nut milks, water
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Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, sage, dill, etc.)
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Mild spices (cumin, coriander, dill, sage etc)