24 Hours To A Happier Tummy

Feeling a bit unsettled after all the festivities? You can get back on track by resetting your digestive system - and all in just one day!

-  JANEY SWANSON

9pm: Give Your Gut A Break

Overnight fasting gives the digestive system time to fully digest and absorb the nutrients in your daily diet, as well as helping to alleviate issues such as bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea and constipation. In addition, stopping eating for 12 hours enables the hard-working "good" bacteria (probiotics) that live in the intestines to recover from the lingering effects of any festive overindulgences or failed attempts to take part in Dry January!

To give your digestive system a proper rest, snacking's out for the next 24 hours. If you're a latenight snacker, reduce the temptation of reaching for crisps and dips while watching TV by going to bed early with a good book.

9am: Revive Your Digestion

Gently kickstart your digestive system with a glass of warm water before having a low-sugar, high-fibre breakfast. Try poached eggs, sliced avocado and kidney beans, or wholemeal toasted bread with banana or homemade muesli.

If you enjoy cereal, choose a lowsugar, high-fibre option, with kefir rather than milk. "This fermented milk drink is teeming with good bacteria," says nutritionist Jane McClenaghan. "To keep sugar intake low, choose a natural kefir rather than a flavoured version."

Or sprinkle a spoonful of flax seeds over plain, live yoghurt or porridge. Flax seeds are a convenient way to increase fibre intake and are a great remedy for digestive issues. Give your tummy a soothing wake-up call with Linwoods Flaxseed, Chia Seed, Apple and Cinnamon (from £3.82, linwoodshealthfoods.com).