What lifestyle modifications should I advise for patients with functional dyspepsia?

Advise patients with functional dyspepsia to avoid known irritants such as alcohol, caffeine, fruit juices, carbonated drinks, chocolate, and fatty and spicy foods, and to keep a food diary to identify triggers ¹.

Encourage weight management if overweight or obese, as this may help reduce symptoms ¹.

Recommend eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding eating late at night or less than 3 hours before bedtime ¹.

Advise raising the head of the bed by 10–15 cm to help reduce symptoms ².

Suggest sleeping on the left side rather than on the right side or supine position ².

Advise stopping smoking if applicable, as smoking increases gastric acid output and delays gastric emptying ¹.

Encourage stress management and psychological well-being, including relaxation strategies and considering psychological therapies if appropriate, as stress and anxiety may worsen symptoms ¹.