Journal Post: Diarrhea

Diarrhea...
Is no fun. Here is a list of things I couldn't eat as a missionary: Lettuce, ceviche, pork, and strawberries. Yep, some tasty stuff. Abstaining, number one precaution here. Also, common sense. But guess what, even with these preventative measures, you're going to get the runs. So, in light of this fact, here are some things you can avoid that might help you keep off the throne as much as possible.
#1: Avoid the milk.
Milk in the States is amazing. Super pasteurized, processed, etc. Comes in lovely 2 gallon jugs, can drink it cold and on cereal.
Milk in Peru is potent, less processed, and comes in can, pouch, or box. Seldom cold, not ideal for cereal (cereal isn't a big deal here). It will also give you the kick in the stomach that cows everywhere wish they could give us humans. Also the cheese, if I were you, I would exercise restraint. Especially for the hot chocolate (which isn't much like the lovely hot chocolate that comes in a pouch), which they make by mixing milk with some bar chocolate that tastes like rust. (in my opinion). It can do some serious damage.
#2: Don't eat anything in the street.
This would be good counsel in the USA, but here even more so. I once taught a lesson during my mission to a lady who sold "anticuchos" (Thin strips of cow heart in shishkabob) in the street. After watching the flies crawl over everything, the general state on uncleanliness, and the lack of refrigeration of what were already questionable meats, I gained a strong personal testimony that these are not places to frequent.
#3: Don't eat too late at night.
I don't know why, but if you don't give yourself some motion before hitting the old sack... Just try. I eat late all the time, and a lot. Bad call.
#4: You need to just say no to yogurt. Sure its tasty. Also different from the states, it comes in a bottle, is not refrigerated, and can be drunk. It's not bad, but I'd advise caution in this regard.
#5: If you see something and wonder, "Hmmm, is this parasite infested?", Don't eat it.

Well, those are some things you can avoid, but, if you are like me, you probably won't. So, in the case that you do come down with the runs, here are some tips and cures.
#1: Never leave the house with out a GENEROUS handful of TP in your pocket. This is just common sense, you never know where you will need to go and you would be surprised at how many bathrooms don't have toilet paper.
#2: Learn to hover. This is because many times, there are no toilet seats.
#3: Don't eat spicy foods, try to keep things simple. (This is obvious).
#4: Buy a few tiny yellow pills called, "Donafan", and a bottle of "Fruti Flex". The pills will fix your system and the Fruti Flex is a for super hydration. About the flex, the flavor you will want to buy (out of three) will be strawberry. Don't. You have to drink the whole liter bottle and strawberry leaves the WORST after taste. It will make you want to hurl. Best to go with Anis or Manzanilla (which are herbs, the second one is chamomile in English I believe.)
5# Due to excessive wiping, a dap of the ol hydrocortizone cream on the sensitive areas never hurt.

Well, the good news is, you'll get over it eventually. And when you do, you can delight in eating all that is bad for you and repeating the cycle. Good luck and stay solid.