Millions of people experience uncomfortable stomach symptoms like bloating and pain after eating, a condition called functional dyspepsia. Scientists reviewed all the latest research to understand which foods cause problems and why. They found that fatty foods are the biggest trigger, and a special diet low in certain carbohydrates might help some people feel better. However, doctors still don’t have clear, personalized eating plans for everyone with this condition. This review shows what we know so far and highlights what researchers need to study next to help people manage their symptoms through diet.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How different foods and eating patterns affect people who experience stomach discomfort, bloating, and feeling too full after eating
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research, not a new study with participants. Scientists looked at many previous studies involving millions of people worldwide who have functional dyspepsia
  • Key finding: Fatty foods are the strongest trigger for stomach symptoms in people with functional dyspepsia. A low FODMAP diet (which limits certain carbohydrates) may help reduce symptoms, especially bloating and discomfort after meals
  • What it means for you: If you experience stomach discomfort after eating, reducing fatty foods might help. A low FODMAP diet could be worth trying, but you should work with a doctor or dietitian to make sure you’re still getting proper nutrition and to find what works best for your body

The Research Details

Scientists reviewed all the published research about how diet affects functional dyspepsia—a common stomach condition where people feel uncomfortably full quickly, have pain, or feel burning in their upper stomach. They looked at studies examining different foods, nutrients, and eating patterns to understand which ones trigger symptoms and why.

The researchers focused on understanding the science behind why certain foods cause problems. They found that the stomach’s ability to stretch and empty, sensitivity to pain, and the balance of bacteria in the gut all play important roles. They also looked at how the body’s chemical signals (like cholecystokinin, which helps with digestion) might make symptoms worse in some people.

By bringing together all this research, the scientists created a summary of what we currently know about food and stomach discomfort, and identified important gaps where more research is needed.

A review like this is important because it takes all the scattered research and organizes it into one clear picture. Instead of looking at one small study, doctors and patients can see the overall pattern of evidence. This helps identify which dietary changes are most likely to help and which need more research before doctors can confidently recommend them.

This is a critical review, meaning the scientists carefully evaluated the quality and reliability of the studies they examined. The review was published in a respected scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. However, because this summarizes many different studies with different methods and quality levels, the strength of evidence varies—some findings are very solid while others need more research to confirm.

What the Results Show

The strongest evidence shows that fatty foods are the main dietary trigger for stomach symptoms in people with functional dyspepsia. This happens because fat activates special signals in the body that make the stomach more sensitive to pain and discomfort. When people with this condition eat fatty foods, their stomachs don’t stretch normally and may not empty food as quickly, making symptoms worse.

A low FODMAP diet shows promise for helping people feel better, especially those who experience bloating and feeling too full after meals. FODMAP stands for certain types of carbohydrates that can be harder to digest. By limiting these foods, some people experience fewer symptoms. However, this diet works better for some people than others, and it’s not a solution for everyone.

Other foods and drinks like alcohol and coffee may trigger symptoms in some people, but the research isn’t strong enough yet to make firm recommendations. The timing and size of meals also appears to matter—eating smaller, more frequent meals might be easier on the stomach than large meals.

The review found that food chemicals and certain plant compounds might influence symptoms, but there isn’t enough research yet to know for sure. The balance of bacteria in the gut (called the microbiome) appears to play a role in symptoms, which suggests that probiotics or dietary changes that improve gut bacteria might help in the future. The review also notes that individual differences are huge—what bothers one person’s stomach might not bother another’s, which is why personalized approaches are needed.

This review builds on decades of research showing that diet affects functional dyspepsia symptoms. It confirms what previous studies suggested about fatty foods being problematic and adds new evidence about the low FODMAP diet. However, it also shows that we still don’t have the clear, simple dietary guidelines that doctors would like to give patients. The review emphasizes that understanding the science behind why foods cause problems is advancing, but translating that into practical eating plans for individuals is still a work in progress.

This review has important limitations to understand. First, it’s a summary of other studies, so it’s only as good as the research that exists. Many studies on this topic are small or use different methods, making it hard to compare results. Second, most research has focused on identifying problems rather than testing solutions—there aren’t many large studies testing specific diets to see if they actually help long-term. Third, the review notes that functional dyspepsia has different subtypes, and what works for one type might not work for another, but most research doesn’t separate these groups clearly. Finally, the review was published in September 2025, so very recent research might not be included.

The Bottom Line

If you have functional dyspepsia, try reducing fatty foods first—this has the strongest evidence for helping (moderate confidence). Consider trying a low FODMAP diet if you experience significant bloating and fullness, but do this with a dietitian’s help to ensure you’re still getting good nutrition (moderate confidence). Eat smaller meals more frequently rather than large meals (low to moderate confidence). Limit alcohol and coffee if they seem to trigger your symptoms (low confidence). Work with a healthcare provider to identify your personal triggers, as everyone’s stomach is different.

This research is most relevant for people who experience stomach discomfort, bloating, or feeling too full after eating—especially if these symptoms happen regularly and affect their quality of life. It’s also important for doctors and dietitians who treat these patients. People without these symptoms don’t need to change their diet based on this research. If you have severe stomach pain or symptoms that don’t improve, see a doctor to rule out other conditions.

If you make dietary changes, you might notice improvement in symptoms within days to a few weeks, though some people take longer to respond. The low FODMAP diet typically requires 4-6 weeks to see if it helps. Keep in mind that finding what works for your individual stomach may take time and patience—it’s often a process of trying different approaches with professional guidance.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track meals and symptoms together: log what you eat (especially fat content), meal size, and timing, then rate your stomach comfort 30 minutes and 2 hours after eating on a scale of 1-10. This helps identify your personal food triggers over 2-4 weeks
  • Start by reducing one high-fat food or meal at a time and track how you feel. For example, if fried foods trigger symptoms, replace them with grilled options for one week and note any improvement. This gradual approach helps identify what actually helps your specific stomach
  • Use the app to create a personal symptom pattern over 4-8 weeks. Look for trends—do certain foods consistently cause problems? Do meal sizes matter? Use this data to create your personalized eating plan and share it with your doctor or dietitian for feedback

This review summarizes scientific research about diet and functional dyspepsia but is not medical advice. Functional dyspepsia can have various causes, and symptoms may indicate other conditions requiring medical evaluation. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if considering a low FODMAP diet, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. They can help determine if these dietary approaches are appropriate for your specific situation and ensure you maintain proper nutrition. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, seek medical attention to rule out other conditions.