Sulfur burps, often recognized by their distinct rotten egg smell, can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem. They typically occur when gas is produced in the digestive system, particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which results in an unpleasant odor. If you’ve ever experienced sulfur burps, you probably want to know how to get rid of them quickly and prevent them from coming back.

Sulfur Burps Are Often Caused by What You Eat

The most common reason for sulfur burps is your diet. Foods that are high in sulfur compounds tend to release hydrogen sulfide during digestion, therefore leading to unpleasant burps. Some of the most common culprits include:

Eggs
Garlic
Onions
Broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables
Red meats

It’s not that these foods are inherently bad, but if you’re prone to sulfur burps, you might want to cut back on them or pair them with meals that reduce gas production. In fact, many people notice that their sulfur burps occur right after a heavy meal rich in these ingredients.

Digestive Problems or Infections Could Be the Issue

If sulfur burps are happening frequently or with other symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain, it could be more than just your diet. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) could be causing your body to produce more sulfur gas.

Additionally, infections such as Giardia, a parasite found in contaminated water, can lead to foul-smelling burps and digestive upset. If you suspect something more serious is at play, make an appointment with a physician to discuss your symptoms.

Certain Medications and Supplements Can Trigger Sulfur Burps

Sometimes, it’s not just the food but also supplements or medications that lead to sulfur burps. For example, supplements containing methionine or cysteine—two sulfur-containing amino acids—may increase hydrogen sulfide production in your gut. Additionally, Ozempic, antibiotics or medications that disturb your gut bacteria can lead to an imbalance, causing gas buildup and sulfur burps.

If you recently started taking a new supplement or medication and noticed sulfur burps, it may be worth discussing with your doctor. In some cases, a simple change in medication or dosage can help.

Drinking Water Is One of the Easiest Ways to Reduce Sulfur Burps

If you’re dealing with sulfur burps, one of the first things you can do is stay hydrated. Drinking water helps flush out the digestive system, reducing the concentration of sulfur compounds and preventing the buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas. Plus, staying hydrated can help your body process food more efficiently, potentially reducing gas production overall.

On top of that, water can also dilute stomach acid, which may contribute to burping. Aim to drink around 8 glasses of water per day to support healthy digestion.

Over-the-Counter Remedies Can Help with Sulfur Burps

If sulfur burps are bothering you, there are some simple over-the-counter remedies that can offer relief. Antacids can help by neutralizing stomach acid, which may reduce the frequency of burps overall. Simethicone, an ingredient found in many gas-relief medications, according to some studies, helps break up gas bubbles in your stomach, making it easier to pass gas without the sulfur odor.

Keep in mind, however, that while these medications can help treat the symptoms, they won’t fix the root cause of sulfur burps if there’s an underlying digestive issue.

Digestive Enzymes Can Reduce Gas Production

For those who often experience gas after eating certain foods, digestive enzymes might be a good solution. These enzymes help break down foods that are known to cause gas, particularly sulfur-rich foods. Supplements containing alpha-galactosidase or amylase can help reduce gas production by aiding digestion.

For example, taking a digestive enzyme before a meal that includes broccoli, onions, or other sulfur-heavy foods can minimize the risk of burping later.

Probiotics Can Balance Gut Bacteria and Reduce Sulfur Burps

Gut health plays a significant role in gas production, and if your gut bacteria are out of balance, sulfur burps can become a frequent issue. Taking probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your digestive system, particularly after taking antibiotics or other medications that disrupt your gut.

Look for probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, which are known to support gut health and reduce gas production.

Eating Smaller, More Frequent Meals May Help

Large meals can overwhelm your digestive system, hence leading to excess gas production and, in some cases, sulfur burps. However, studies have suggested that consuming smaller, more frequent meals can lessen the chance of gas buildup.

This approach is particularly helpful if you have a sensitive digestive system or conditions like GERD or IBS, which can cause frequent burping after large meals.

Avoid Foods That Trigger Sulfur Burps

If you’ve identified specific foods that cause sulfur burps, avoiding them can be a direct solution. Try cutting back on high-sulfur foods like eggs, garlic, and onions, or experiment with how often you eat them. Reducing your intake of sulfur-rich foods can significantly decrease hydrogen sulfide production in your gut, which means fewer sulfur burps.

Managing Stress Can Help Control Your Digestive Health

Stress can have a significant impact on your digestive system. Chronic stress can exacerbate conditions like GERD, IBS, and indigestion, which may lead to sulfur burps. Finding effective ways to manage stress—such as through meditation, exercise, or journaling—can improve your digestion and reduce gas production.

Stress-management techniques are particularly useful if you notice your sulfur burps tend to flare up during periods of high stress or anxiety.

See a Doctor if Your Sulfur Burps Persist or Are Accompanied by Other Symptoms

While occasional sulfur burps are usually harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying health issue if they become frequent or severe. Persistent sulfur burps—especially when paired with symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, or weight loss—may point to infections, digestive disorders, or food intolerances. In these cases, it’s essential to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

When Should You Be Concerned About Sulfur Burps?

While sulfur burps are often related to diet, they can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. If your sulfur burps are persistent, accompanied by nausea, or cause significant discomfort, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you experience:

Frequent sulfur burps lasting several days
Unexplained weight loss
Severe abdominal pain
Chronic diarrhea

The Takeaway

Sulfur burps may be embarrassing, but they’re often a result of what you’re eating or a minor digestive issue. Drinking more water, avoiding sulfur-rich foods, and using over-the-counter remedies can quickly help reduce the frequency of these burps. However, if they persist or come with other symptoms, it’s important to speak to a physician to rule out any underlying health concerns.