Everyone burps. It is a natural process of digestion when gasses are created in your digestive tract. Normally, they smell close to the foods that you ate recently and no cause for concern. When you have sulfur burps your body is creating a gas from proteins that contain sulfur. It is known as hydrogen sulfide gas. There are microbes in your digestive system that break down the sulfur and release it. Most often, these microbes are part of the “good bacteria” and nothing to worry about. If you have sulfur burps and diarrhea, you may have bacteria that are infectious.

Causes of Sulfur Burps and Diarrhea

The causes are often very simple and easy to fix. Some are more complicated and require a visit to the doctor. Here are some of the reasons you may be experiencing:

1. Sulfur in Foods

On occasion, you may eat foods containing hydrogen sulfides that cause sulfur burps when the protein is broken down. This may also upset your intestinal tract with a one-time case of diarrhea after eating the offending food. These are foods that have complex proteins in them:

• Red meat
• Poultry
• Preservatives (prepackaged cold foods, canned foods and dried fruits)
• Eggs
• Dairy (milk, cheese, cottage cheese)
• Fruits (bananas, watermelon, avocado)
• Vegetables (Swiss chard, yams, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, onions)
• Legumes (peas, lentils, beans, soybeans, alfalfa, carob, jicama)
• Tea and coffee
• Grains (corn, sesame seeds, coconut, sunflower seeds, oats, almonds, and walnuts)
• Whey protein powder
• Amino acid supplements
• Vitamin B supplements

2. Infections in Your Digestive Tract

There are a few infections that can cause you to have sulfur burps and diarrhea. There are usually other symptoms like vomiting, fever, and nausea. You need to check with your doctor to see if you have any of these:

• Giardia lamblia: This is a parasite that comes from contaminated food or water. It will cause sulfur burps, bloated abdomen, diarrhea, and bad gas passing. It needs prescription medication,and not being treated promptly can cause dehydration.
• H. Pylori: This is a bacterial infection of the stomach that can cause gastritis and even ulcers. It is accompanied by bloating and heartburn. Your doctor will give you a course of antibiotics and antacid medications until the infection is gone.
• Normal intestinal flora: Your digestive system is full of “good” bacteria that help to digest your food. If you have an overgrowth of this bacteria, you may experience sulfur burps, bloating, and even diarrhea. This is common in people who are lactose intolerant or fructose intolerant. Your doctor can give you antifungal medication.

3. Poor Diet

Eating too fast or eating too much of the wrong foods can cause you to have sulfur or rotten egg type burps. When you eat too fast you may not be chewing your food enough to start the digestive process or swallowing too much air with your food. Eating too many proteins in a meal will cause sulfur gas to form in your digestive tract.

4. Chronic Health Conditions

Some chronic digestive conditions can cause sulfur burps and diarrhea. These include:

• Pancreatitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease)
• Irritable bowel syndrome

If you have any of the above disorders, talk to your doctor about necessary dietary modifications to prevent this side-effect of eating.

Home Remedies for Sulfur Burps

There are a few things you can try to help get rid of sulfur burps at home. Keep in mind that if these things do not help, you should see your doctor.

1. Eat Right

If you notice that you’re getting sulfur burps after eating, try getting rid of high sulfur foods in your diet or at least cut back on them. Reduce the amount of eggs and dried fruits, dairy and high sugar foods. Cut them out of your diet and then add them back in slowly to see which one is causing you trouble. You can also increase your intake of high fiber foods and drink plenty of water with meals. This will help flush the sulfur through your system.

2. Try Warm Lemon Water with Honey

Place warm water in a teacup or mug and squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon. Add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten and drink every morning. This will help cleanse your system of toxins and sulfur.

3. Use Pepto Bismol™

This pink stomach medication is an old standby for tummy troubles. This may help calm your tummy and get rid of sulfur burps. It may help grab the sulfites and pull them out of your digestive tract.

4. Drink Baking Soda

Baking soda can neutralize your stomach acids and the gas it produces. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of water then drink it. It will make you burp and it may smell like eggs or sulfur. You may also throw up, so stay near a bathroom. You will feel better in just a few minutes after the gas is completely passed.

5. Consume Seltzer Water

Seltzer water can help you burp up any gas in your stomach. The water can also help flush your system. Add a splash of cranberry juice to make a delicious spritzer and drink after meals.

6. Try herbal and natural remedies to help ease sulfur burps and diarrhea:

• Probiotics (helps to replace the healthy good bacteria in your digestive tract)
• Ginger tea
• Peppermint tea or candy
• Papaya (has natural digestive enzymes)
• Cardamom (an Indian spice that aids digestion)
• Yogurt
• Chamomile
• Fennel seed

When to See a Doctor

It can be a very normal thing to have a one-time case of sulfur burps and diarrhea if it is something not agreeing with your stomach. If diarrhea continues, or vomiting occurs, you need to see a doctor right away. Bacterial and parasitic infections of the digestive tract need prompt medical attention and treatment with antibiotics. These infections can lead quickly to dehydration and complications in the bowel. If you try the remedies above and they do not work, also call your doctor. This is especially important in small children who can become dehydrated very quickly.