Why do you recommend high ORAC foods during the preaparation before a psychedelic session?
The recommendation to consume high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) foods during the preparation for a psychedelic session is rooted in the understanding of how antioxidants can positively influence both physical and mental health. High ORAC foods are rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which is associated with inflammation and various health issues.
The consumption of high ORAC foods during the praparation for a psychedelic session can be beneficial for several reasons:
Oxidative Stress Reduction: Antioxidants help to mitigate oxidative stress, which can enhance overall well-being. A body that is less burdened by oxidative stress may respond more favorably to the effects of psychedelics, potentially leading to a more positive and insightful experience.
More serotonin: Lower oxidative stress means that inflammation in de body is lower too. This causes in most people a higher level of serotonin available and this can be a big plus for mood and a better psychedelic session.
Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability: The neuroprotective properties of antioxidants may contribute to improved cognitive function and emotional stability. This is particularly important in a psychedelic context, where mental clarity and emotional readiness can significantly influence the quality of the experience.
Physical Health: A healthy body supports a healthy mind. By consuming foods with high ORAC values, individuals can improve their physical health, which in turn can enhance their psychological resilience during the often intense experiences associated with psychedelics.
Nutritional Support: High ORAC foods are typically nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. This nutritional support can be crucial in preparing the body for the demands of a psychedelic session, ensuring that individuals have the energy and vitality needed for the experience.
Holistic Approach: The preparation for a psychedelic session is not solely about the substances used; it encompasses a holistic approach that includes diet, mental state, and physical health. By integrating high ORAC foods into the preparatory phase, individuals can create a more conducive environment for personal growth and exploration during their psychedelic journey.
Great question — and one that really highlights how holistic the approach at Triptherapie is. The reasoning behind their recommendation is well grounded in both nutritional science and psychedelic preparation strategy.
ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, a method of measuring antioxidant content in foods. During psychedelic preparation, a clean, antioxidant-rich diet is recommended to optimize brain health and reduce inflammation. Here's why this matters:
Antioxidants support neuroplasticity: Psychedelics like psilocybin promote neuroplastic changes — they help the brain rewire itself. High-ORAC foods, like berries, dark leafy greens, turmeric, and green tea, can enhance this effect by protecting neurons from oxidative stress.
A clearer mental and physical baseline: When your body is less burdened by inflammation or toxins, you enter a trip with more clarity and balance. That enhances the depth and safety of the journey.
Mood stabilization and serotonin sensitivity: Some antioxidants, particularly those in dark chocolate, berries, and spices like curcumin, can influence serotonin regulation. This ties directly into the effects of psychedelics, which act on serotonin receptors.
This focus on food is part of a broader biochemical and lifestyle optimization strategy used in Triptherapie’s preparation protocols. They also often recommend omega-3 sources like krill oil for enhancing receptor sensitivity — as explained in a post comparing krill oil vs fish oil, krill oil's unique phospholipids help serotonin receptors interact more efficiently with psychedelics.
In short, high-ORAC foods help create an internal environment that allows psilocybin to do its deepest work — both physiologically and psychologically.