Sulfur burps are burps that are followed by a foul rotten egg smell caused by hydrogen sulfide gas.
A burp is a way your digestive system releases excess gas. This gas is usually air that enters through the mouth or a byproduct of bacteria breaking down food. Eating or drinking too quickly can cause gas to enter through mouth. Other causes may be smoking or gum chewing or even drinking carbonated beverages.
FAST FACTS ABOUT SULFUR BURPS
- Burps are usually harmless, just a sign of there’s too much air in stomach.
- Excessive burps or burps with foul smell could be a sign of different issue.
- Treating the sulfur burp involves treating the underlying cause.
FOOD THAT CAUSES SULFUR BURPS
The following foods contain sulfur and eating them may increase your risk of getting sulfur burps:
- High protein foods
- Beer
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Whole milk
Also there are certain foods that may not be high in sulfur but are known to cause excessive amount of gas. These includes food that are high in sugar, starch or soluble fiber. Certain veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and beans are also culprits. Some artificial sweeteners can also cause excessive gas and bloating.
GASTROINTESTINAL ISSUES THAT CAUSE SULFUR BURPS
A typical cause of sulfur burps is a digestive issue or gastrointestinal issues. Conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), may cause gas from the stomach to rise up as burps and stomach acid reflux.
PREVENTING SULFUR BURPS
The following tips may help you to prevent sulfur burps:
- Eat slowly to avoid too much air entering into the stomach.
- Avoid smoking and chewing gum as these activities cause ingest excess air.
- Avoid foods that has excess sulfur (listed above).
- Avoid overeating. Instead of eating large meal, try eating several small meals throughout the day.
- Reduce alcohol (very high in sulfur) intake & carbonated drinks.
- Avoid foods high in sugar.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Certain medications also cause sulfur burps as a side effect. If you recently started a new medication, this could be the culprit and you may need to discuss this with your physician.
Else if you are expecting frequently sulfur burps, it may not be your diet but an underlying illness. Here are some conditions have been linked to sulfur burps. (this is not an all-inclusive list)
- Food poisoning
- Stress or anxiety
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- GERD
- Acid reflux
- Colitis
- Gastroparesis
- Colon cancer
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
Many of these symptoms are accompanied by worrisome symptoms and may include extreme abdominal pain or cramping, frequent diarrhoea, abnormal bowel movements or vomiting. So if you have a sulfur burp accompanied by any of these symptoms, you should contact a physician immediately.
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