Our Translational Scientist, Dr. Nabeetha Nagalingam, was recently featured in HuffPost’s article, “‘Rotten Egg Breath’ Could Be a Sign of This Health Problem”, and Mirror’s article, “‘Rotten Egg Breath’ Could Be a Sign of Serious Health Problems – How to Combat It”, where she discussed the link between gut bacteria and bad breath.
You may have heard of sulfur, a gas known for its characteristic eggy smell. According to Dr. Nagalingam, certain gut bacteria break down sulfur-containing compounds, producing hydrogen sulfide, which causes this distinct odor.
While low levels of hydrogen sulfide in the breath are normal, high levels are often linked to inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, bad breath could be a sign of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), where excess bacteria in the small intestine lead to higher hydrogen sulfide production. As Dr. Nagalingam notes, “Research shows that people with SIBO tend to have more hydrogen sulfide in their breath.”
There are several strategies to reduce sulfur-induced bad breath. One approach is incorporating probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, as these strains can lower hydrogen sulfide levels. Experimenting with your diet to identify trigger foods may also help. Before making major dietary changes or taking supplements, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
For more tips on improving gut-related bad breath, check out the full articles on HuffPost and Mirror. Additionally, explore our other resources, such as our SIBO related blogs or our free SIBO Ebook, for in-depth guidance.
Dr. Nagalingam also highlights the role of breath tests in understanding gut health. “Our ongoing research at OMED Health is paving the way for a hydrogen sulfide-specific breath test, giving patients more accurate insights into their gut function,” she explains. If you are interested in improving your gut health, the OMED Health Breath Analyzer and App aims can help diagnose, treat and support you.
