I’ve been reflecting on the three months my spouse and I spent in Europe final yr.
Roseann and I bounced between Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Germany—visiting household, exploring new cities, and touring the Fluidinova manufacturing facility the place we supply the nano-hydroxyapatite for Fygg.
Right here’s what I packed for oral well being and general wellness—what labored, what didn’t, and what I’ll undoubtedly skip (or carry) subsequent time.
The Non-Negotiables (Would Pack Once more Each Time)
1. CoQ10 – Your mitochondria want this to operate. CoQ10 helps mobile power manufacturing in all tissues, together with metabolically lively gum tissue. If you’re coping with journey stress, totally different meals, and unfamiliar beds—CoQ10 retains your power and gums wholesome. I take 200mg day by day. That is the one I take.
2. Vitamin D3 + K2 – We spent hours indoors—museums, cafes, eating places. D3 helps take in calcium, however with out K2, that calcium results in arteries as an alternative of bones and enamel. That is the one I take.
3. Magnesium Complement – Jet lag, time zones, strolling 20,000+ steps day by day. Magnesium helped me sleep, recuperate, and keep saliva circulation. I take it 1-2 hours earlier than mattress. That is the one I swear by.
4. Xylitol Gum – After each espresso (and there have been many), I chewed xylitol gum. It stimulates saliva, reduces cavity-causing micro organism, and neutralizes pH. Simply 5 grams day by day can cut back cavities by 30-70%. As for which of them I like, I simply attempt to purchase something that doesn’t include microplastics! Search for manufacturers that use chicle as an alternative of artificial gum base—most standard gum is actually comprised of plastic polymers.
5. Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste – Journey stress, totally different water, inconsistent food plan—all improve sensitivity and enamel erosion. Nano-hydroxyapatite fills micro-cracks and strengthens enamel. (Do you know I’m one of many co-founders of Fygg toothpaste?)
6. Floss Stick – I particularly don’t wish to be placing my fingers in my mouth when touring and staying in lodges. On in a single day trains, string floss would’ve been unattainable. That is the one I take advantage of which has gum sweeps that I really like.
7. Plastic Tongue Scraper – Nearly like a little bit piece of paper—so moveable. I scrape each morning earlier than brushing. Reduces unhealthy breath, lowers bacterial load, helps oral microbiome. Takes seconds. That is the one I introduced.
8. Xylitol Nasal Spray – Planes dry out your sinuses. If you nostril breathe the entire flight, you’re much less more likely to get sick. Your nostril is sort of a fly entice—it catches viruses earlier than they attain your lungs, partly resulting from nitric oxide on nasal surfaces. Patrick McKeown talks about this extensively. I used xylitol nasal spray earlier than each flight. That is the model I take advantage of.
9. Oura Ring – At house, my sleep routine is automated. However bouncing between time zones? A sleep tracker confirmed me precisely how unhealthy the jet lag was—or how effectively I used to be recovering. The readiness rating guided my day by day depth.
10. Strategy Sneakers – Good footwear are crucial when strolling 8–14 miles day by day. I wore black strategy footwear good sufficient for eating places however supportive for all-day excursions. These are those I wore.
11. CO2 Sensor – Indoor air high quality varies wildly in European lodges and Airbnbs. Excessive CO2 means poor air flow and poor sleep. I adjusted home windows and doorways based mostly on readings. That is the one I’ve.
12. Digestive Enzymes – Your abdomen may not acknowledge European meals. Digestive enzymes enable you break down unfamiliar meals and take in vitamins—avoiding bloating that may damage a visit. That is the one I take.
What I Skipped (Or Want I Had)
1. Electrical Toothbrush ❌ – I really like my Sonicare at house, however for 3 months of journey? Too cumbersome. Subsequent time I’m bringing my Radius “Transformer” journey toothbrush as an alternative (hyperlink). It folds into itself, takes up virtually no house, and has additional comfortable bristles, which is a should (please don’t use something aside from additional comfortable bristles!)
2. Omega-3 Fish Oil ❌ – We ate contemporary fish 4–5 instances per week. Grilled sardines in Lisbon, seafood paella in Barcelona, contemporary catch alongside the Amalfi Coast. And in Italy and Spain, they all the time serve you a bottle of olive oil on the desk. I’d simply take a spoonful straight. Olive oil is primarily oleic acid (omega-9), which is anti-inflammatory and doesn’t displace omega-3s like omega-6-heavy seed oils do. Most Individuals have an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio round 20:1 when it must be nearer to 4:1—that drives systemic irritation. Between the fish and olive oil, I didn’t want dietary supplements.
3. Oil Pulling Mix ❌ – I’ve been oil pulling for over 20 years, and I genuinely find it irresistible. At house, I take advantage of an MCT oil mix each morning. However right here’s what I didn’t account for: someplace between Lisbon and Porto, the glass jar exploded in my bag. I spent a day in a Portuguese Airbnb cleansing oil out of my garments, toiletry bag, and someway, my footwear. It wasn’t enjoyable. Right here’s my new rule: oil pulling stays at house. On the highway, TSA liquid restrictions make it impractical anyway. A tongue scraper is all you want. That is the mix I take advantage of at house.
Three months in Europe jogged my memory how our ancestors lived—with so little in comparison with all of the devices and kit we pack into our properties and garages. Dwelling out of a suitcase for 90 days, I felt lighter. You don’t want the whole lot. You want the best issues. The necessities that really transfer the needle in your well being, your power, your longevity.
What are your must-have journey necessities?
– Mark
