Beat the bloat by TOMORROW

A few quick changes could take care of that uncomfortable tummy swell this summer

Does your favourite floaty dress feel tighter than usual? You may be blaming all those boozy barbecues you've been enjoying or the fact you've cut back on exercise due to the heat. However, it could just be down to bloating. The good news is there is lots you can do to shape up your digestive system. Ready to feel lighter and look trimmer in 24 hours? Here's how...

Go green

Make green tea your morning cuppa. ‘It can boost metabolism and help keep your stomach flat,’ says nutritionist Frida Harju-Westman. Or try adding ginger to hot water to help reduce bloating.

Sit up straight!

‘Hunching over when eating puts pressure on the stomach, resulting in acid reflux and gas,’ says nutritional therapist Alison Cullen. Devices also encourage bad posture, so take screen breaks to get up and stretch.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water doesn’t lead to fluid retention. In fact, if you deprive your body of fluids it goes into ‘famine’ mode and holds on to what water you’ve got, causing bloating, explains nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert. ‘Aim for six to eight glasses a day.’

Shake the salt habit

Salt encourages the body to hold on to fluid. Flavour home-cooked food with herbs, instead. Parsley is perfect, as it helps eliminate excess fluids from the body.