Why do I have Burps that Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

What is burping? Burping, or otherwise known as belching is the means of expelling air or gas inside the stomach through the mouth. Burping often occurs after eating too much food or drinking carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Although burping poses nothing serious in our health, this can still be a side effect or a result of many health disorders. For sure, all of us have already experienced burping. Usually, the gas that is expelled from our mouth is odorless, but some people also experience burps that smell like rotten eggs. So what does this particular condition indicate?

What do sulfur burps indicate?

Burping gas that smells strongly of rotten eggs is indicative of the presence of sulfur in our stomach. This is the reason this type of burp is commonly known as a “sulfur burp.” The smell of sulfur burps or rotten egg burps comes from the presence of hydrogen sulfide. This gas usually comes from sulfur-containing proteins in foods after they are broken down in the stomach or the small intestine by sulfur-reducing microbes. These microbes can either be a normal microflora of the intestines or can also be pathogenic in nature.

What causes the presence of sulfur in the gastrointestinal tract? Sulfur is mainly or primarily caused by the presence of sulfur containing foods. Basing on this, we can already conclude that the avoidance of sulfur containing foods in the diet will help prevent sulfur burps. Some of the most common sulfur containing food include food preservatives such as guacamole, which is used on dried fruits, meats in fast foods, salads, and canned goods. Poultry meals also contain high sulfur content, as do red meats, eggs, dairy products (especially milk) and some vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, garlic, mustard, parsley, pack choi, onions, Swiss chards, tomatoes, watercress, yams, sweet potatoes and asparagus. Legumes are also considered high in sulfur content especially peas, lentils, beans, carob, soy, alfalfa, and jicama. Fruits such as avocado, banana and watermelon also contain sulfur as well as grains, nuts and seeds such as oats, cashews, walnuts, sesame seeds, coconut and sunflower seeds. Aside from these foods, tea and coffee is also high in sulfur and also whey proteins. Some amino acids may also contain sulfur just like methionine and cysteine.

How do you get rid of the rotten eggs smell in burps?

One thing to try is to remove or, at least, moderate the amount of sulfur food in your diet. Doing this simple act can already be a huge help in reducing the incidence of these foul smelling burps. You can also try some of the gas relief and probiotics medications that are readily available.

However, if symptoms persist, then you should seek the advice of doctors for proper and close attention to be given to this kind of condition. As we know, persistent burps could be a sign of something wrong in our health.

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