ERJ talking shit at social gatherings

Once again, I found myself thrust into social situations due to family obligations.

I am quickly becoming more strategic when meeting new people. For instance, I met somebody who looked a lot like Hunter Biden (turns out he is a surgeon...but I didn't know that at the time) I informed him that I had Tourette's Syndrome and that I occasionally blurt-out obscene words and that I am twitchy.

When engaging in conversation in social situations, it is important to stick to your strengths.

So we talked shit.

Actually, the subject of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) came up. It is something that was either quite rare sixty years ago or nobody talked about it. Consequently, it seems to be an "emerging" malady.

According to my newly found buddy (who was very accepting of people with Tourette's) he had recently been to a symposium and one of the presenters was a  GI specialist who spoke about IBS. The specialist claimed that the single best thing you could do if you came from a family where IBS was common was to eat a green-salad every day. According to her, leafy greens supply a steady stream of probiotics and just the right amount and right kind of nutrients to sustain them in our bowels.

A quick search of the internet suggests she might be right. One of the go-tos for people with IBS is to straighten themselves out with a low-FODMAP diet (under medical supervision, of course).

Low-FODMAP vegetables

Some vegetables contain oligosaccharides or polyols, which can irritate a sensitive gut. Pack your kitchen with these easier-to-digest veggies:

• Bell peppers.
• Bok choy.
• Carrots.
• Cucumbers.
• Eggplant.
• Green beans.
• Lettuce.
• Potatoes.
• Tomatoes.
• Zucchini.

Vegetables in the cabbage family are conspicuous by their absence. No broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels Sprouts here.

As always, this is presented for entertainment purposes. See a doctor if you suspect you have IBS. The advice you see on the internet is worth about what you paid for it.