Lifestyle factors that affect dyspepsia

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Lifestyle changes

There is no clear evidence that lifestyle factors affect dyspepsia. However, some people find that some things seem to make a difference. For example:

For dyspepsia which is likely to be due to functional dyspepsia - some people say that cutting out caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola, etc), or spicy foods, or fatty foods seems to help. If you suspect that something is making symptoms worse, it is sensible to cut it out for a while to see if it makes any difference.
For dyspepsia which is likely to be due to acid reflux - (when heartburn is a major symptom), the following may be worth considering.
Smoking. The chemicals from cigarettes relax the sphincter (the muscle that acts like a valve at the bottom of the oesophagus). This may make acid reflux more likely. If you are a smoker, symptoms may ease if you stop smoking.
Some foods and drinks may make reflux worse in some people. (It is thought that some foods may relax the sphincter and allow more acid to reflux.) It is difficult to be certain how much foods contribute. Let common sense be your guide. If it seems that a food is causing symptoms, then try avoiding it for a while to see if symptoms improve. Foods and drinks that have been suspected of making symptoms worse in some people include: peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks.
Weight. If you are overweight it puts extra pressure on the stomach and encourages acid reflux. Losing some weight may ease the symptoms.
Posture. Lying down or bending forward a lot during the day encourages reflux. Sitting hunched or wearing tight belts may put extra pressure on the stomach which may make any reflux worse.
Bedtime. If symptoms recur most nights, it may help to go to bed with an empty, dry stomach. To do this, don't eat in the last three hours before bedtime, and don't drink in the last two hours before bedtime. If you raise the head of the bed by 10-15 cms (with books under the bed's legs), this will help gravity to keep acid from refluxing into the oesophagus.