Sulfur burps refer to those burps through the mouth that have the smell of a rotten egg. When you belch the smell of hydrogen sulfide, you may feel nausea or even want to vomit. Constipation, food poisoning, pregnancy, indigestion, giardiasis etc. can all cause sulfur burping and farts. Here are treatments and home remedies.
A burp often occurs when a person has excess air in their stomach. In most cases, the burp will come out smelling like the last meal that this person had. However, there are instances where this burp could come out smelling like rotten eggs. When this happens, a person will have a condition referred to as sulfur burps.
The smell caused by these types of burps is not only unpleasant, but it can also be very embarrassing more so when it occurs when the said person is in a public gathering.
- The main reason behind the unpleasant smell is because of the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
- It is very common when people consume foods that have a high sulfur content in them, and it is the reason why you will find your burp smelling like rotten eggs.
- Your sulfur reducing microbes, found in the intestines will digest the proteins that you have consumed, and then proceed to release them in the form of a gas.
Individuals of all ages can expect to expel the H2S at any point when they are burping, although the condition is very common in women who are pregnant. When a woman is expectant, the digestive process in her body will be greatly slowed down, and it could be the main reason why it is common in expectant mothers.
If the condition is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, it is recommended that you immediately see your GP, as this is often the indication that you may have irritable bowel syndrome.
Causes of sulfur burps and farts
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Different factors and conditions could lead to this condition. Some of the most common causes of sulfur farts and burps are:
1. Food poisoning
The bacterium known to cause diarrhea and burps in humans resides in the intestines of infected or healthy people, as well as animals such as pets, poultry, and cattle.
The stool from any one of these living creatures could contaminate recreational water, vegetables, soil, milk when it is being milked, or the drinking water.
Additionally, the bacteria that arises from food or air surfaces could multiply quickly in food that has not been cooled. As such, when a person is infected, one of the first symptoms will be bloating. Bloating will then lead to the burps with rotten egg smell being released from the body.
2. Sign of pregnancy
Although burping is quite normal, no single person would like to release these types of burps, especially when they are in social environments.
Expelling this type of burp could be an indication that a woman is pregnant. They tend to occur many times in women who are pregnant, and it is mainly attributed to the reduced digestion of food that occurs immediately a woman becomes expectant.
If not sure, on whether you are pregnant or not, this may be the right time to get that pregnancy kit.
3. Sulfur burps and gas (constipation)
According to WebMD, there are several conditions that are associated with the release of this kind of burps, accompanied by constipation.
The most common condition is irritable bowel syndrome. The condition is known to cause the formation of painful spasms and cramping in your large intestines leading to constipation.
4. Upset stomach
From time to time, you may consume foods that have a hydrogen sulfide content, and which may cause the sulfur burps to occur, after the protein in these foods has been broken down.
It is something that could also irritate the intestinal tract, leading to an upset stomach once you have consumed the irritating foods. Some of the foods that are known to have high protein content in them include:
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Red meat
- Dairy
- Vitamin B supplements
- Tea and coffee
- Legumes
- Amino acid supplements
5. Burping sulfur after eating eggs
You will find that gas is always present inside your intestines. According to New Health Guide, the foods that contain complex proteins such as eggs will always lead to sulfur burps once you have consumed them during your meals.
The eggs will produce hydrogen sulfide as they get broken down inside your stomach. This will then lead to the release of the rotten eggs smell after a while.
6. Giardiasis
Giardiasis is the infection of the small intestines in the stomach and is brought about by a parasite that is known as Giardia lamblia.
The infection spreads when you are exposed to a person who has been infected. In addition, it is possible to get the infection when you consume foods or drinks such as water that have been contaminated by the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, this condition can be found in all places, but is more prevalent in overcrowded developing countries that often lack proper sanitary conditions, as well as quality water control.
7. Sign before period
According to Dr. Gillian McKeith, author of the book “You are what You Eat, and a regular on BBC America, the spleen found in your body acts as the body’s energy battery. It is the one in charge of digesting the nutrients you consume, as well as recycling the old red blood cells and turning them into iron for your body as well as ensuring that bacteria stays away from your body.
As such, when the spleen is exhausted, it is unable to provide you with the required iron needed to provide energy, as well as provide immunization against illnesses.
You, will, therefore need to restore it to health by eating health, and drinking lots of herbal tea, so that the burping before your periods end.
8. Gastroparesis
This is a condition where your stomach empties at a very slow pace because damage has occurred to the muscles or nerves that are present in your stomach
It is believed that the condition is mainly caused by nerve damage, which is common in people who have condition such as long-term diabetes.
There is also the possibility that your vagus nerve could get severed or damaged when undergoing a surgery. This can in turn affect pumping of food out of your stomach and even cause sulfur burps.
9. Pyloric Stenosis
In this condition, you will notice that the last part of your stomach will have become abnormally narrowed. It is common in infants and can be linked to environmental and genetic factors.
For this condition, projectile vomiting is the primary symptom, which could also lead to cases of dehydration. If this dehydration is not treated, it could lead to deadly complications, among them a severe case of egg burps.
10. Infections
Certain microbes that are present in the food you consume could reduce the sulfur content that is present in food, which would then lead to the production of hydrogen sulfide.
- The same compound is known to cause the rotten eggs odor.
- Additionally, it could include Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium, and this may infect the stomach linings, leading to gastritis.
11. Bacterial overgrowth
Belching sulfur could also be caused by bacterial overgrowth. In the gut, there are very many different species of bacteria that live in this area, and do not cause any harm or disease.
Actually, the bacteria play a role in maintaining bowel health and are often viewed as part of your intestinal flora.
At times, bacterial populations could begin to increase excessively. Even though this will not lead to an infection of the gut, it may cause the host body very many disturbances. One such case will be small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
12. Mal-digestion and Mal-absorption
When the normal digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body does not take place, bacteria gets residue nutrients for them to feed upon.
In many cases, this is not an issue when it occurs in the upper gut, though it causes problems when noticed in the lower bowel.
It can be seen in conditions such as gallbladder disease, celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, food intolerances, as well as in inflammatory bowel disease.
Sulfur burps and nausea
Burping sulfur, be it in public or in private can be annoying, especially when it involves the rotten egg smell. When accompanied by nausea, it could be caused by something that you took the previous night when taking your dinner or lunch.
- It is therefore recommended that you consider changing your diet for a while to see whether there will be any changes.
- Belching or burping sulfur in itself can cause severe nausea and even vomiting.
Sulfur burps and vomiting, diarrhea
Sulfur burps accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting are quite common in pregnant women. Some women will experience the problem when they are about sixteen weeks, and again when they are twenty-two weeks.
It often causes a lot of discomfort to such women as they cannot lie down without experiencing a problem, in addition to having to vomit when they wake up, and in the evening before heading to bed. For such a woman, it is recommended that they immediately visit their GP for a consult.
Sulfur burps treatment
It is possible to treat the egg burps you are experiencing by following these instructions:
Eat wisely
One of the easiest methods of eliminating the egg burps from your life would be to ensure that you only consume foods that are right for you.
The first thing you will need to do is to eliminate all the foods that have complex proteins from your diet such as eggs, foods with a high sugar content, as well as dairy products/
Once all the foods have been eliminated from your diet, give yourself a few days to check whether the burps are gone for good.
If you notice that you no longer experience the egg burps, you can then start re-introducing the foods one at time. When you add each food, take time to check whether it causes any burps. If it does, that food item should be done away with completely.
From here, make sure to add water and fiber to your normal diet. The two types of foods helps in improving the overall health of your digestive system by eliminating all the toxins and substances that can lead to the production of sulfides.
Pepto Bismol
It is an over the counter medication that is very effective when it comes to getting rid of sulfur burps. It often works by binding with the sulfides that are present in your digestive system as well as your stomach.
Once they have created a bond, the sulfides will no longer be able to cause the burps and sulfur belches.
Alka Seltzer
It is an antacid that functions by neutralizing all the acids that are present in your stomach, and which are the main cause of your egg burps.
Many people suffering from this condition have found this treatment to be effective in eliminating the egg smelling burps.
Prescription drugs
When an egg burp has been caused by an infection in your body, you need to ensure that you consult your GP as soon as you can find time.
The GP will provide you with prescription drugs that will help in eliminating the diseases or the infection responsible for causing this burp.
It is important to ensure that you do not take a prescription drug unless it has been prescribed by the GP.
Home remedies and cures for sulfur burps and farts
The following home remedies will come in handy when dealing with egg burps. Often, a single remedy will work for you, but in other cases, you may need to try out a few before you find the right fit.
Apple cider vinegar cure for sulfur burps
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been known to help treat very many known conditions. It helps in assisting your digestive system, while at the same time ensuring that there is a normal and balanced pH level in your body.
Instructions
- Take water and place it in a cup before adding two teaspoons of raw, and organic ACV
- You will need to drink this ACV solution at least twenty minutes before you take your meals
- Repeat this process for a few times over the next few months until the egg burps disappear completely.
Alternatively, take ACV with warm water when the egg burps strike you
Baking Soda
Popularly known as sodium bicarbonate, it works as a natural antacid and provides quick relief from egg burps.
Instructions
- Scoop a single teaspoon of baking soda and place it in a regular cup of water
- The solution should be taken down immediately for quick relief
You should not use this remedy for long as prolonged ingestion of baking soda is not recommended. Additionally, if you suffer from high blood pressure, make sure that you do not consume baking soda as it has a very high concentration of sodium.
Aloe vera juice
Given that it comes with anti-inflammatory and healing properties, aloe Vera will assist in soothing your stomach and digestive system, and this will help in getting rid of the egg burps
All you are required to do is to take a single cup of aloe vera juice at least twenty minutes before taking any meal
Aloe vera juice should not be taken in excess as it may have a laxative effect. You must therefore take it in controlled amounts.
Chewing gum
According to a study published in the Journal of Dental research, it was established that chewing a gum that is sugar free will help in relieving the symptoms associated with egg burps, especially after consuming a very heavy meal.
Sugar free gum will help stimulate saliva product, and this in turn washes away any acid that may have accumulated in your guts thereby causing the egg burps. Given that it is alkaline in nature, it will also help in neutralizing any acids that could be present in your stomach.
It is therefore recommended to consume sugar free gum after your meals to help with this problem. You may also consider chewing cinnamon gum, but stay away from the mint-flavored ones as they will relax your sphincter muscles and this will not be good for your digestive system.
Licorice root
Licorice root comes with stomach healing properties, therefore making it ideal for use when dealing with egg burps. It will help in soothing your mucous membranes, while protecting your gut lining. Here’s how to get rid of sulfur burps with licorice.
- Boil a single teaspoon of the licorice root power in a single cup of water
- The solution will need to be strained once it has been boiled
- Ensure you drink it at least twenty minutes before you are scheduled to consume foods that have complex proteins
- You should take it at least two times each day
If you have any reservations about the licorine root powder, schedule a consult with your GP.
Yellow mustard
This is yet another home remedy that is very handy when dealing with an egg burp problem. It contains a vinegar content, which happens to be a weak acid, and one that will lower the pH levels present in your stomach.
When the egg burps strike, you will need to eat a single teaspoon of pain yellow mustard for immediate relief. If you feel that the mustard is too strong for you, make sure to follow the mustard with a cold glass of water
Note: although this is a very effective remedy for egg burps, it may cause problems that normally have to deal with heartburns. You should therefore not consume it if you have a heartburn problem.
Fennel
Fennel is known to be beneficial when it comes to dealing with digestive problems and in suppressing your stomach spasms as well.
Instructions
- After your meals, ensure that you chew half a teaspoon of fennel seeds
- Alternatively, you may choose to boil a single teaspoon of fennel seeds in a single glass of water
- Allow it to steep for a minimum of five minutes before you can strain it
- Take this solution at least three times per day
Slippery elm
It comes with demulcent properties known to help coat the esophagus as well as the stomach lining. This will help reduce bloating caused by eating the wrong type of foods.
It also contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are good for people with burps.
Instructions
- Scoop two teaspoons of powdered slippery elm bark and add them to two glasses of hot water
- You should allow the elm bark to steep for at least five minutes
- Ensure you consume at least three times each day until you notice a change in your burping problem.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow, just like slippery elm comes with demulcent and soothing properties. Given that it is very high in mucilage, it plays an important role in protecting the mucosal lining of the esophagus, ensuring that the digestive system is not interfered with, as this would lead to egg burps occurring. Here’s how to get rid of sulfur burps with marshmallow.
- Scoop two teaspoons of dried marshmallow root and add them to five glasses of water
- Once added, you should allow it to sit for the entire night
- In the morning, ensure that you strain out the marshmallow
- It is recommended that you consume the herb a few times each day until you notice an improvement in your condition
Cumin
Cumin seeds have the ability to help you deal with egg burps as they help in stimulating your digestive system, and this will help deal with the issue of bloating, gas, and acidity.
Instructions
- You will need to boil a single cup of cumin seeds in a single water up
- Allow the cumin seeds to steep for at least five minutes in your water before you can strain it
- Alternatively, the cumin seeds can be added to your food during the preparation phase.
Brown rice
When looking for another home remedy to help you deal with the egg burps, brown rice will be a great alternative.
It is readily available at home, and happens to be a very rich source of fiber. Brown rice can be used several times a day to help you get rid of the egg burp problem.
Stay away from sugary foods
For those who like sugary foods, this is definitely not good news for them. Sugary foods are the major cause of egg sulfur burps and if you are looking for a solution on how to eliminate them for good, removing sugary foods from your daily diet should top your list.
Some of the sugary foods to avoid will include candies, ice creams, or cakes.
Avoid alcohol
Excessive alcohol usage can also lead to the emergence of egg burps. To get rid of this problem, you will need to stop consuming alcohol on a regular basis.
After all, excessive consumption of alcohol is injurious to your health.
The remedies and treatment methods discussed above can help you deal with the egg burp issue, helping you to resume your normal life, devoid of social embarrassment and awkwardness.
