Sulfur burps are burps that have a foul, rotten egg smell. While sulfur burps typically are not a cause for concern, they can be unpleasant. You can usually get rid of them with antacids, dietary changes, and probiotics.

What Causes Sulfur Burps?

When you burp, gas is brought up from your stomach and out through your mouth. This happens when an excessive amount of air lingers in your digestive tract.

With sulfur burps, the foul smell is created by hydrogen sulfide. Your body naturally creates hydrogen sulfide as it digests the foods you eat.

Diet

Foods and drinks that are naturally high in sulfur can cause sulfur burps. Foods that are high in added sugars, starch, and fiber can also be a trigger.

Some of the common foods and drinks that can cause sulfur burps are:

  • Artificial sweeteners like aspartame

  • Beans like black beans, kidney beans, and white beans

  • Carbonated beverages like sodas and seltzers

  • Dairy products like whole milk and cheese

  • Protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, beef, or fish

  • Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions

Medications

Medications that slow the digestive process, like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), cause food to stay in the stomach for a long time. The longer food is in your stomach, the more likely it is that hydrogen sulfide will be released as bacteria break down the food.

Other medications can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which can create more hydrogen sulfide. These medications include antibiotics (especially repeated use) and diabetes medications like metformin.

Health Conditions

When you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid and gas move up the esophagus (the tube that connects your stomach to your throat). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also causes excess gas in the digestive tract.

Burping is a common symptom of both of these conditions. Sulfur burping may be even more likely if there is enough hydrogen sulfide present in your digestive system.

Bacterial Infections

The natural mix of bacteria in your gut helps break down the food you eat. These bacteria can produce hydrogen sulfide. Infections of certain bacteria (like the Helicobacter pylori bacteria) or parasites like Giardia can increase the production of hydrogen sulfide and cause sulfur burps and bad breath.

How To Get Rid of Sulfur Burps

The best way to get rid of sulfur burps will depend on what's causing them. Treating what's causing them can help clear up sulfur burps.

A healthcare provider might first recommend medications or certain lifestyle changes to address smelly sulfur burps.

Home Remedies

You can try the following home remedies to reduce gas and sulfur burps:

  • Avoid or limit dairy products, carbonated drinks, and chewing gum.

  • Chew your food slowly and thoroughly.

  • Drink peppermint, ginger, or chamomile tea to relax muscles in the digestive tract and support digestion.

  • Reduce your intake of foods that produce gas, such as beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, garlic, and onions.

  • Take a 10- or 15-minute walk after you eat.

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids and anti-gas medications can reduce digestive symptoms like sulfur burps. Medications include:

  • Gas-X (simethicone): Helps excess gas pass through your digestive system more quickly.

  • Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate): Treats upset stomach symptoms that might come along with sulfur burping.

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec (omeprazole): May reduce sulfur burps related to GERD.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that help support gut health. They may help balance the bacteria in your gut and reduce the amount of hydrogen sulfide your body creates.

Taking probiotic supplements or consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or sauerkraut can improve burping and other digestive symptoms.

When To Talk to a Healthcare Provider

It's a good idea to check with a healthcare provider if you have sulfur burps that are bothersome or impact your daily activities more than three days a week.

A healthcare provider will ask about your health history and symptoms and test for an underlying condition. They can offer treatment if necessary, such as antibiotics to clear a bacterial infection. Prescription-strength medications for conditions like GERD are also available.

Psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy may be recommended in addition to other treatments for digestive disorders. These treatments won't relieve sulfur burps on their own, but they can improve your quality of life.

How To Prevent Sulfur Burps

You may be able to prevent sulfur burps with dietary and lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Avoid triggers: Carbonated drinks and chewing gum can cause gas and burping.

  • Eat smaller meals slowly: More frequent meals spread out throughout the day can reduce how much air you swallow.

  • Get regular exercise: Exercise promotes healthy digestive system movement.

  • Limit foods high in sulfur: High-sulfur foods can contribute to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in your digestive system.

  • Reduce sugar intake: Added sugars and artificial sweeteners can increase bacteria in your digestive system.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support digestion and flush out sulfur.

A Quick Review

Sulfur burps are burps that smell like rotten eggs. You can get rid of occasional sulfur burps with medications and dietary and lifestyle changes.

Frequent burping may require a consultation with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions. Digestive disorders like GERD and IBS or bacterial infections may cause sulfur burps.