Fasting, Food & Water Before a Psychedelic Journey: What We Recommend at WildGlow Alchemy
The morning of a psychedelic journey often feels different.
Some people wake up excited. Others feel nervous. Many feel both at the same time.
As the day approaches, it's natural to wonder whether you're doing everything "right" for such an important experience. But at WildGlow Alchemy, we believe preparation should help you feel supported—not stressed.
When it comes to food and hydration, our recommendations are less about strict rules and more about helping you arrive feeling comfortable, grounded, and ready to meet and receive the medicine.
Fasting Before a Journey
At WildGlow Alchemy, we generally recommend arriving with a relatively empty stomach while remaining well-hydrated and nourished in the days leading up to your session.
4 hours no food and little to no caffeine is a good general rule of thumb.
Let's talk about why we do it:
Reducing Nausea
Psilocybin can sometimes cause nausea, stomach discomfort, or digestive sensations, particularly during the first portion of the journey.
Having a very full stomach may increase the likelihood of feeling physically uncomfortable.
Many clients find that arriving with a lighter stomach helps them settle into the experience more comfortably.
Supporting Absorption
While everyone is different, many people report that taking psilocybin on a relatively empty stomach creates a more predictable onset of effects.
Encouraging Presence
For some people, fasting can also serve as a ritual of preparation—a way of signaling to the body and mind that something meaningful is about to occur.
That said, we do not view fasting as a spiritual requirement or a measure of commitment.
You do not earn a deeper journey by suffering.
We Do Not Recommend Extreme Fasting
This is important.
Many people assume that longer fasting equals a better experience.
In our experience, that is not necessarily true.
Arriving overly hungry, dehydrated, lightheaded, or exhausted can create unnecessary challenges during a journey.
Some people become distracted by hunger. If this is you, eat more.
We also want your body to be nourished and strong for the day ahead.
We are interested in helping clients arrive feeling:
Rested
Hydrated
Grounded
Nourished
Comfortable
Open
Ready
than we are in encouraging extreme fasting protocols.
What We Typically Recommend
While recommendations may vary depending on the individual and the timing of the session, many clients do well with:
Dinner the evening before
Plenty of water throughout the day before their journey
A good night's sleep
A light breakfast several hours before their session - eggs, toast, fruit
Avoiding heavy, greasy, or overly rich foods for 24 hours - you don’t want to be distracted by a talking tummy
Some people prefer to arrive completely fasted, while others feel better having a small meal earlier in the day. There is no single right answer. Medicine work and knowing your body is an intuitive practice.
Hydration
Drink enough water to be hydrated, but not so much that your day is distracted by constant trips to the bathroom.
Also keep in mind that Denver's high altitude and dry climate can be quite dehydrating, especially for visitors. Many people arrive from lower elevations without realizing how much additional water they may need.
In the days leading up to your journey, we encourage clients to:
Drink water consistently
Consider electrolyte support if needed
Limit alcohol intake
We encourage clients to continue drinking water on the morning of their session.
Throughout the journey, we typically encourage clients to listen to their bodies.
Some people naturally want very little water. Others find small sips throughout the day supportive. There is no need to force anything.
Trust your body's signals.
What If I Have Blood Sugar Concerns or Medical Conditions?
Not everyone should fast.
People with diabetes, blood sugar regulation concerns, certain medical conditions, a history of eating disorders, or other health considerations may require a different approach.
Preparation should always be individualized.
If you have questions about fasting, medications, nutrition, or medical concerns, we encourage you to discuss them with your facilitator well before your session.
Listen to Your Body
Perhaps the most important thing we can say is this:
Preparation is not about perfection.
There is no prize for fasting the longest.
There is no award for being the most disciplined.
The goal is to arrive feeling supported and ready.
For most people, that means:
Getting enough sleep
Staying hydrated
Eating nourishing foods that are agreeable with your body in the days before their session
Avoiding excess alcohol and other substances
Arriving with a relatively light stomach
Simple. Gentle. Sustainable.
At WildGlow Alchemy, we believe preparation should help you feel safe and cared for—not stressed.
Your body is not an obstacle to the healing process.
It is part of it.
Treat it with kindness.
