66: Sulfur Burps on GLP-1 Meds: Remedies, Treatment and Causes

Ever had a burp that smells like bad eggs? It’s certainly not pleasant - especially in a social setting! But like most medications, anti-obesity medications come with side effects that you may have to navigate, particularly at the start of your journey. And one side effect that I don't hear enough people talk about, are sulfur burps.

So today, we’re doing a deep dive into why sulfur burps can happen on anti-obesity medication, what to avoid, and potential remedies to alleviate symptoms. We’ll also touch on gas and bloating and tips to reduce discomfort. Stay tuned for future blogs, where we'll be exploring additional side effects as we start building a comprehensive library of resources to help you manage the unique challenges associated with anti-obesity medications.

Why Sulfur Burps Happen

When you take anti-obesity medications, they slow down the movement of food through your digestive system. This prolonged stay in the stomach allows food to ferment, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. Typically, this gas would pass through your digestive tract harmlessly, but due to the slowed digestion, it rises upward, and results in those unpleasant burps that smell like rotten eggs.

But by being aware of what triggers and eases sulfur burps, you can better manage them and make your medication journey smoother.

Let’s start out with what to avoid:

• Using Straws: Straws can worsen the gas situation as you have to create suction to get the liquid to come up.
• Carbonated Beverages: Any carbonated drinks, regardless of flavor, can exacerbate sulfur burps due to the infused gas. 

• Eating Too Quickly: Rapid consumption of food can lead to increased gas production, so slow down and chew your food thoroughly.

• High Sulfur Foods: Foods high in sulfur content, such as eggs, cruciferous veggies like broccoli and brussels sprouts, and high-fiber foods like beans and seeds, can worsen sulfur burps.

• Sugar Alcohols: Watch out for sugar alcohols commonly found in sugar-free products, as they can also contribute to gas production and exacerbate sulfur burps.

What Might Help:

• Hydration: Water can help flush out some of the gas.
• Digestive Enzymes: Over-the-counter digestive enzymes can aid the digestive process.
• Walk Regularly: Walking helps get the bowel moving and facilitates gas passing.
• Peppermint Tea: This tea is known for its calming properties.
• Chamomile Tea: Another soothing tea option that can help alleviate symptoms.

Gas and Bloating

Gas and bloating often stem from the same causes as sulfur burps. And one of the major culprits is fiber, especially if there has been a sudden increase in fiber intake. Many people think they need to increase their fiber intake overnight to avoid constipation, but this radical shift can actually cause more problems than it solves.

Consider doing a fiber audit to see how many grams you're consuming daily. For women, the recommended minimum is 25 grams per day, and for men, it's at least 38 grams. You might find that you're consuming much more fiber than recommended, which can lead to gas and bloating.

For example, when I audit my own fiber intake, I usually get around 40 grams per day, which is quite high. My body is used to it because I’ve always included a lot of high-fiber foods in my diet, regardless of my weight or dietary habits. However, not everyone is accustomed to such high fiber levels, and a sudden increase can cause issues.

Another factor to consider is physical activity. I spend a lot of time moving throughout the day, with short walks in the morning and multiple 5-10 minute walks during the day. This helps move things along in the digestive tract. If you're experiencing gas and bloating, take a look at whether you're getting enough movement.

If you need acute relief, you might consider something like Gas-X, which contains simethicone, or Pepto-Bismol. However, I find that other interventions, like adjusting your diet and increasing your activity level, are often more effective than just relying on medication.

It's also important to recognize that different types of fiber affect people differently. For some, beans might be the culprit, while other types of fiber are fine. Some people might be able to tolerate chia seed pudding with 10 grams of fiber but have issues with 10 grams of fiber from chickpeas. Identifying the specific foods that cause problems can help you manage gas and bloating more effectively.

Navigating the side effects of anti-obesity medications can be challenging, but understanding the causes and remedies for issues like sulfur burps, gas, and bloating can make the journey smoother. Stay mindful of what to avoid so you can better manage these side effects and improve your overall experience. 

And finally, always make sure that you talk to your doctor and medical team about any symptoms that you are experiencing because there might be other things happening that are not related to the medication. Remember: correlation is not always causation!