Sulfur burps are burps that have a foul, rotten egg smell due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas may be a byproduct of digestion or the result of an underlying gastrointestinal issue. Some of the causes of sulfur burps include:

• Eating certain foods: H2S is produced when bacteria in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract break down food. Certain foods may cause excessive belching or sulfur burps, including beans and legumes, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, alcohol such as beer, and dairy products like milk.

• Gastrointestinal issues: Sulfur burps may also be caused by digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lactose intolerance, and celiac disease.

• Heavy meals high in oil, butter, and other fats: High-fat foods tend to sit in the stomach longer, taking more time for the stomach to fully digest, which increases the likelihood of sulfur burps.

• Behavior-related causes: Swallowing too much air from eating too quickly, eating when talking, drinking carbonated beverages, overeating, smoking, drinking from a straw, chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, and having loose dentures can cause burps.

To prevent sulfur burps, it is best to find out what is causing them. Keeping a journal about your foods and daily habits can be an effective way to isolate the cause of your sulfur burps. If you notice that certain foods are aggravating your condition, you can try removing those foods from your diet temporarily. If you cannot isolate the underlying cause of your sulfur burps with journaling, you may want to enlist the help of someone who lives with you to see if he or she could help observe you and provide insight. If you still cannot find the connection, contact a gastroenterologist.