Rotten egg burps followed by vomiting

Dear Denise

Egg burps, sometimes called sulfur burps, are caused when your body expels the hydrogen sulfide gas produced when certain proteins break down in the digestive system. A loud burp is embarrassing enough, but when the burp is accompanied by the smell of eggs, the experience can be emotionally painful. There are many causes of sulfur burps. Fortunately, there are also many simple and effective remedies to get rid of it, like baking soda and Pepto Bismol.

Causes of Egg Burps

Most of the causes are not life-threatening and are easy to correct. However, when egg burps are accompanied by nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, this might be an indication of a more serious underlying health problem. See your medical professional if you have ongoing egg burps or if they are associated with other symptoms.

1. Sulfa-Containing Foods

If you have occasional sulfur burps, think about the food you have eaten recently. Since the hydrogen sulfides that cause the smell are produced by the breakdown of protein, you should understand that complex protein foods may lead to egg burps. This would include red meats, eggs, dairy products and pungent vegetables such as garlic, onions, cabbage, asparagus and broccoli. Beverages like coffee and colas should also be avoided to some extent. Fruits like cashews and bananas are known to trigger sulfur burps as well. Avoid or reduce your intake of these foods to decrease the chance of egg burps.

2. Gastrointestinal Infection

Recent research has implicated the Helicobacter bacteria and Giardia parasite in infections of the digestive system that can cause egg burps. If you have one of these infections, you will very likely experience other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). The best course of action is to see your healthcare provider immediately.

3. Prescribed Medication

Some prescription medications can also cause sulfur burps. Most notably, mediations that are sulfur based may be the cause of your problem. Read the labels on any medications you are currently taking.

4. Improper Eating Habits

In addition to the kind of food you eat, your actual eating habits can also cause egg burps. Specifically, avoid eating very heavy meals full of complex proteins since these foods will sit in your stomach for longer periods allowing the sulfide gas to build up. Eat slowly and chew each bite thoroughly so that the digestive process begins in your mouth as it is intended to do.

May I suggest that you try this simple experiment - hopefully you will be surprised -

This is best done early morning and on an empty stomach. Lie down on the floor - no pillows, no mattresses - now slowly collect your legs, bending them at the knees and moving knees towards the bellybutton. Having done that, now throw your legs in the air in a jerky fashion and finally stretch them in on the floor. Relax a little and repeat the exercise. I tried this myself and it gave me surprising results. Hope it works for you too. Good luck :)