What’s the Deal with Sulfur Burps? GLP-1s, Gut Health, and How to Stop the Stink

Let’s talk about something… unpleasant but common: sulfur burps. That rotten egg smell can be more than just annoying—it’s often a sign that something’s off in your digestive tract. If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide, or dealing with certain gut issues, you may have noticed these sulfur burps showing up. Let’s break down what causes them and how to get them under control.

What Are Sulfur Burps?

Sulfur burps are gas bubbles that release hydrogen sulfide—a gas that smells like rotten eggs. This gas can build up during digestion, especially when food sits in the stomach or intestines too long or isn’t properly broken down.

Common Causes of Sulfur Burps

🔹 GLP-1 Medications (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, etc.)

GLP-1s slow down gastric emptying, which can lead to delayed digestion. This gives bacteria more time to break down food and produce sulfur-based gases. Some patients also experience nausea or constipation, both of which can increase gas production and worsen odor.

🔹 Gut Imbalances & Infections

Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), H. pylori infections, or even food poisoning (especially from sulfur-producing bacteria) can all contribute to foul-smelling burps.

🔹 Dietary Triggers

High-protein or sulfur-rich foods—like eggs, meat, dairy, garlic, and onions—can make things worse. Artificial sweeteners and carbonated drinks are also common culprits.

🔹 Poor Digestion or Enzyme Deficiency

If your body isn’t producing enough digestive enzymes, food can ferment and create excess gas—especially from protein and fat.

How to Stop Sulfur Burps

🔸 Support Digestion with Digestive Enzymes

One of the most effective ways to reduce gas and improve digestion is to give your body a little help with enzymes.

We recommend Advanced Digestive Enzymes by Thorne—an excellent formula that helps break down proteins, carbs, and fats so they don’t sit in your stomach and cause that dreaded sulfur smell.

👉 Why we like it:

• Helps reduce bloating and gas

• Supports healthy breakdown of food during meals

• Ideal for those taking GLP-1 medications or with sluggish digestion

Advanced Digestive Enzymes

🔸Boost Fiber (the Gentle Way)

If you're constipated or not having regular, complete bowel movements, you're more likely to trap gas and experience sulfur burps. That’s where FiberMend® comes in.

This gentle, prebiotic fiber blend supports healthy elimination without the bloating or cramping many people experience with harsh fiber supplements.

👉 Why we love it:

• Promotes regularity without discomfort

• Feeds good gut bacteria

• Helps move things through so gas doesn’t get trapped

  

  FiberMend®

Here are some other tips:

🔸 Eat Smaller, Slower Meals

Large meals sit longer in the stomach. Smaller portions (especially protein and fat) can be easier to digest.

🔸 Stay Hydrated

Water helps move things through your digestive system and prevent constipation, which can trap gas.

🔸 Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods

Try keeping a food diary for a few days and notice patterns. If eggs or dairy consistently lead to sulfur burps, you may need to limit or avoid them for a while.

🔸 Probiotics & Gut Health

Consider incorporating probiotics to help restore balance in your gut microbiome, especially if antibiotics or food poisoning were part of your recent health history.

🔸 Address Underlying GI Conditions

If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need testing for H. pylori, SIBO, or other gut infections.

Don’t Just Mask the Smell—Fix the Root

If you’re experiencing sulfur burps while taking GLP-1 medications, know that you’re not alone—and it’s usually manageable. Supporting your digestion, optimizing your gut health, and using tools like

 can make a big difference.

👉 Shop Advanced Digestive Enzymes