Protein is a macronutrient the human body requires to make tissues such as muscles, organs and skin. Since the body cannot make essential amino acids--the building blocks of protein--complete proteins are those that contain all nine essential amino acids. Consuming complete proteins should not make you smell bad. In fact, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, fats and proteins cause little gas. However, high-protein foods that contain certain sugars may cause gas in some people, and high-protein low-carbohydrate diets may cause bad breath.
Meat
Meat, fish and poultry are animal-based sources of complete proteins. Consuming an appropriate amount of meat each day should not cause you to smell bad, produce gas or have bad breath. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, if you currently consume a 2,000-calorie diet, aim for 5.5 oz. of meat each day. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 46 g for adult women and 56 g for adult men.
Eggs
Eggs contain high-quality, or complete, protein; one egg provides about 6 g of protein. Egg whites and egg substitutes can replace whole eggs, are lower in fat and cholesterol, and contain fewer calories than whole eggs. Egg whites and substitutes are also excellent sources of high-quality protein.
Soy
Although most plant-based proteins are considered incomplete proteins, soy is an exception. According to the National Institutes of Health, soybeans are the only plant-based complete protein containing all essential amino acids. Soybeans are also a source of dietary fiber. Food products made from soy include soy milk, tofu and tempeh.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt are sources of complete proteins that, when consumed, should not cause you to smell bad. However, in people who are lactose intolerant, milk products containing large amounts of lactose can cause gas. Other types of sugars found in foods that may cause gas are raffinose, sorbitol and fructose, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
Although by itself peanut butter is an incomplete protein, when paired with whole grain bread, it provides a combination of amino acids that forms a complete protein. However, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, certain types of whole grains, such as bran or whole wheat, may cause gas in some people.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gas in the Digestive Tract
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protein
- National Institutes of Health: Protein in Diet
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Gas
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