Folk medicine has championed fennel seeds for reducing bloating for years; the little liquorice-y seeds relax gastrointestinal spasms and cramps, allowing gas to pass. Try fennel tea, or go straight to the source and nibble on them directly.

Anyone who has suffered from morning sickness will recognise ginger as a natural nausea-soother, but it can also ease bloating. Anti-inflammatory properties calm the gut and relax the muscles of the digestive tract, just like fennel seeds. Satisfy your sweet tooth and your tum with ginger cookies, or sip on a cup of relaxing hot ginger tea.

Believe it or not, asparagus makes you pee; the vegetable is a natural diuretic, which flushes out excess water and, in the process, reduces bloat. It’s also packed with prebiotics, which aids the growth of “good” bacteria. Keep it simple with a bowl of garden-fresh asparagus soup or add some to your stir-fries.

It’s not just a lip salve! Papaya is bursting with an enzyme called papain that helps to break down protein and ease digestion, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Eat a slice after a heavy dinner to relieve bloating, or blend it into smoothies for your “flat tummy” diet plan.

Probiotics are great for gut health and yoghurt is a delicious source of these good bacteria. And, as well as encouraging a happy, productive digestive tract, yoghurt is a great source of protein, setting you up for a happy, productive day! Look for one with “active cultures” for best results.

Oats can be particularly beneficial to your digestion, making your tummy a lot happier. They fill you up nicely and make great breakfast foods like porridge. A cup of hot oats at the end of the day is pure bliss!

Potassium-rich foods like bananas are exactly what you’re looking for when you’re bloated; as well as regulating sodium levels, they contain soluble fibre that can relieve constipation, which could also be contributing to the problem. Plus, bananas with some drizzled chocolate and whipped cream is yummy!

Since we’re on the topic of potassium, you can also reach for an avo or two to beat the bloat. Like bananas, they prevent water retention and salt-induced bloating. Plus, they’re packed with healthy fats and provide you with slow-burning energy. Pack it into a turkey ham sandwich if you don’t like to eat it alone.

Cucumbers do the same thing to your tummy as your under-eye puffiness: reduce swelling. Their healing properties are all down to an anti-oxidant called quercetin, so slice ’em and dice ’em and get them all through a cucumber salad.

As well making a refreshing drink to sip on during your meal, adding fresh mint to your table water can combat bloating and soothe your gut. Or, finish up each night with a cup of soothing chamomile tea; it does the same job.