The tiny sachet that promises to aid hydration and oral health

 

You know when you are flying, or on a long-distance drive, and your mouth gets unpleasantly dry?

There is a new potential option to give your water - and your oral health - a little hydration zhush.

SmileSip, which comes in powdered form in a nifty little sachet, is being promoted as "a ground-breaking new drink mix redefining the way Australians care for their oral health", and has just landed on shelves in Woolworths stores nationally. 

SmileSip is designed both to support oral health and overall wellbeing. 

The contents of the stick sachet are mixed with water and aim to relieve dry mouth, freshen breath, prevent stains to keep teeth white, and protect against cavities and gum disease.

If it just helps prevent dry mouth on a long-distance flight then that would satisfy me. 

SmileSip contains ingredients like xylitol, erythritol and green tea powder. 

Created by Dr Angie Lang (below), a leading Australian dentist with over 20 years of experience, SmileSip was developed in conjunction with Dental Health Australia (DHA), an organisation dedicated to promoting oral health across the country. 

SmileSip is an all-Australian product that creates its own new category.

“SmileSip isn’t just a drink, it’s a way to change the way we think about oral health and overall wellness,” says Dr Lang. 

“I was determined to create a functional beverage that was both effective and enjoyable. After over 10 years of research, I’m proud to offer a product that combines convenience, taste and powerful oral health benefits. It’s easy to incorporate into your wellbeing routine - just mix with water, sip and enjoy - and it’s suitable for the whole family.

“The mouth is the gateway to overall health. 

"Poor oral health can contribute to more serious conditions, from heart disease to digestive issues. That’s why I believe SmileSip is so important; it’s more than just about teeth; it’s about overarching wellbeing.”

SmileSip is available in six refreshing flavours: Mixed Berry, Watermelon, Pink Lemonade, Mango Passion, Matcha and Rose. 

Having worked through them I found the berry and lemonade options the most refreshing for my palate  

I'll be packing a few of each for a trip to Asia in a few weeks, and will report back on the how they work. 

SmileSip has an RRP of $14.95 for a box of five sachets - which should be enough for a few hours in the air. 

For more information, visit www.smilesip.co.

Gladiators, comedians, vinegar and a new way to hydrate

 Celebrity spirits are 10 a penny nowadays. Celebrity wines are commonplace.

But how about celebrity canned hydrating drinks? 

Comedian and wine lover Merrick Watts is putting his weight behind Posca Hydrate - a fizzy sports drink that he has just launched in Australia. 

The blurb tells me Posca Hydrate has been "reinvented by Merrick Watts to hydrate modern-day warriors and health-conscious consumers". 

I'm assured that "combining ancient wisdom with modern science", Posca Hydrate is Australia’s first sugar-free sparkling hypertonic drink in a can – an alternative to traditional sports drinks, with zero  sugar, all-natural ingredients and 100% stimulant-free.

Posca Hydrate apparently has a hypertonic formulation, enriched with four essential electrolytes and boosted with the addition of red wine vinegar, a rich source of antioxidants.

The original Posca recipe dates back to ancient Rome, and was widely regarded at the time as the beverage of choice of soldiers and gladiators. 

“Over the past 10 or so years, I’ve become a self-confessed health and fitness nut and like many of us, I have been disappointed with the lack of sugar-free, all-natural sports drink options available on the market," co-founder Watts says. 

"Aussies are increasingly becoming more health conscious and searching for a better alternative to stay hydrated - without a crash, without sugar, without stimulants, without regrets. 

“It was during the depths of the Covid lockdown of 2021 that I came across the original Posca recipe and its fascinating stories, buried in the [online] history books. It got me thinking that there is a thing or two we can learn about hydration and health from the ancient world. 

"Given Posca was the drink of actual gladiators, there is no doubt it is the original sports drink.”

In 2021, leveraging his expertise in liquid formulations and understanding of beverage balance from his wine knowledge, Watts created his first batch of Posca Hydrate. 

Available in three flavours: grape, yuzu and pineapple, Posca Hydrate is available nationwide at major and independent convenience stores, petrol stations and other outlets. A 330ml can costs an RRP of $6.50, or a 12-pack can be purchased at poscahydrate.com for RRP $59 or on Amazon.

The yuzu is very spritzy with tropical flavours to the fore and is definitely my pick of the flavours I sampled. The pineapple is also fun but the grape did not tickle my fancy. 

How to conquer jet lag when you fly long distances

Jet leg is a familiar foe for many frequent flyers. 

One of Australia's leading travel insurers, nib Travel, has shared its tips to help travellers beat jet lag and arrive at their destination feeling refreshed. 

nib Travel’s tips include pre-flight preparation, smart in-flight choices, and arrival hacks. 

“This timely guide from nib Travel offers practical tips for travellers to use to stay in top form and make the most of their time away this holiday season," says Dylan Wilkinson, general manager international and partnerships. 

"Jet lag can be a real challenge, especially during the busy festive season when people are eager to make the most of their time with loved ones or explore new destinations. 

"By preparing ahead, making informed in-flight choices, and embracing local time upon arrival, travellers can focus on creating unforgettable memories.”

1. Plan ahead

Where possible, a few days before you leave, gradually adjust your sleep schedule to match the time zone of your destination. This will help your body adjust more quickly when you arrive. Adjusting your watch to your destination’s time zone as soon as you board your flight can also help you mentally adjust, tricking your body clock into beating jet lag.

2. Choose your airplane seat wisely

It pays to be picky when you’re booking your seat on a long-haul flight. In economy it’s worth paying extra for a bulkhead or exit-row seat for extra legroom or, at the very least, to book a window seat on the same side of the plane that you would sleep in your bed, so you can rest against the plane wall.

3. To sleep or not to sleep on the plane?

While it is a good idea to sleep on your flight, you need to factor in the arrival time at your destination. If it’s night-time when you arrive, plan so you’re ready for a good night of rest. If it’s daytime on arrival, getting an adequate amount of sleep on your flight will have you ready to go. Turn off electronic devices and seat-back screens an hour before sleeping as the blue light screens emit can delay sleep. Eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones and a comfortable travel pillow will also help.

4. Be good to your gut

Avoid eating too much before you fly and snack on healthy foods like nuts, seeds and dark chocolate during your flight to avoid digestive issues. A 12-to-16-hour fast the day prior to and during travel may trigger a quick reset of circadian rhythms.

5. Stay hydrated

Dehydration can make the symptoms of jet lag worse, so drink plenty of water during your flight and avoid caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol (hmm!) while in the air. You can rehydrate on arrival by sticking to electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water.

6. Consider a supplement

Some people will turn to prescription medications to help them sleep on a flight. But while leaving you rested, these medications don’t stop jet lag as they don’t help reset your body clock. Talk to your doctor about whether these options might be right for you.

7. Get with the program

Once you arrive at your destination, adjust to local time straight away by eating meals and going to bed at appropriate times. If you're feeling tired, a nap can help but try to limit it to 20-30 minutes to avoid disrupting night-time sleep. Natural light is the biggest influencer of your body clock, so jump start the process of adjusting it to your new time zone by getting outside and soaking up the sights of your destination. 

See https://www.nibtravelinsurance.com.au.

Image: Celin May, Scop.io