← Part of the GLP-1 Nausea Rescue Series

How to Stop Sulfur Burps on GLP-1: The Fermentation Fix

There is a specific, dreaded side effect that many Ozempic and Wegovy users face: the “Sulfur Burp.” It is distinct, unpleasant (often smelling like rotten eggs), and usually accompanied by painful bloating.

To stop sulfur burps on GLP-1, you first have to understand what they are. This isn’t normal air you swallowed; it is gas produced by food that is effectively fermenting inside you.

The Science: Why It Happens

Because the medication slows down your digestion (the Traffic Jam Effect), food stays in your stomach for hours longer than nature intended. If that food contains sugar, yeast, or hard-to-digest fibers, bacteria begin to break it down before it leaves the stomach. This process releases hydrogen sulfide gas—the source of the smell.

Immediate Triage: The “Car Wash” Method

If you are currently suffering from these burps, adding more food will only make it worse. You need to “flush” the system.

• Stop Solid Food: Switch immediately to Level 1 liquid nutrition (clear broth or water) for 12-24 hours to give your stomach time to empty the fermenting mass.
• Alkaline Water: Many users find relief by sipping high-pH alkaline water, which can help neutralize the acidic environment that fermentation thrives in.
• Pepto-Bismol: The active ingredient (bismuth) binds to the sulfide gas and can stop the smell temporarily, though it doesn’t fix the root cause.

Prevention is Key

The best way to handle sulfur burps is to prevent the fermentation from starting. This means avoiding high-sugar foods and heavy carbohydrates on the days when your digestion is slowest (usually days 1-3 of your cycle).