Your body isn't a collection of parts, but an interconnected system.
Your body has 10 interconnected systems, its pillars of health. When they are nourished and functioning optimally you are strong and energised, physically and mentally. Put simply, you look and feel at your very best.
This is why all EQUI products work to support women’s bodies on a deep level that encourages complete internal balance. Yes, they address specific needs, but they do so by taking a holistic, whole body, approach. This philosophy underpins every formulation we create because we are passionate that it is the most effective approach to supplementation.
By precisely calibrating the ingredients we blend into each of our products, each of the body’s 10 systems are comprehensively nourished. Every ingredient we incorporate is selected for its benefits to the female body and carefully researched within the scientific database for its benefits and safety for women.
01. Digestion
Even a perfect diet cannot nourish the body fully if food is not properly broken down and absorbed. The gut harbours 80% of our immune system, serving as a direct line of communication between our nervous system, brain, and overall physical and mental health. Inadequate digestion can manifest in various forms, from discomfort like bloating to issues such as acne, hormonal imbalances, and unwanted weight gain, and nourishing it can indirectly address many health concerns.
02. Detoxification
Our systems grapple with a constant influx of potentially harmful environmental substances. Efficient detoxification and excretion are critical to safeguarding our cells. To promote overall well-being, it's vital to nourish our liver and kidneys with the right essential nutrients, ensuring these vital processes remain finely tuned and balanced to keep our body resilient.
03. Hormones
Balanced hormones help harmonise the entire body, supporting energy levels, metabolism, mood, libido, sleep and a regular monthly cycle. The physiological reaction to stress is also governed by hormones, so the more we can counteract the intrinsic stress of our modern lifestyles, the better our energy levels, sleep, immunity, hormone levels, digestion and cognitive function are likely to be.
04. Skin
Our skin, the body's largest organ, acts as both a protective barrier to the external world and a mirror to our internal well-being. It works closely with the gut, hormones, and immune system, meaning that we not only need to support the physically barrier, but also the rest of the body. An array of essential nutrients and phytochemicals play a pivotal role in maintaining the skin's resilience, youthfulness, and clarity.
05. Reproductive
The process of creating new life is a complex and delicate one, demanding the highest quality nutrients to maintain the reproductive system's harmony. These nutrients are also vital for fostering a healthy libido, sustaining hormone balance, and fortifying the vitality of our life force. The balance of these systems hinges on the regular intake of a very delicate balance of nutrients.
06. Energy
Vitality is the hallmark of a healthy body, and a lack of energy often serves as an initial indicator of nutrient deficiency or compromised metabolic processes. Sustaining and achieving optimal energy levels requires comprehensive nutritional support that caters to the body's multifaceted needs.
07. Musclo-Skeletal
Strength, endurance, and agility are rooted in a healthy structural framework, especially as we age. The health of our bones, cartilage, collagen, and blood vessels is maintained by a nuanced synergy of amino acids, fats, vitamins and essential minerals, that can be difficult to get through diet alone.
08. Immunity
In today's world, our immune systems play a more pivotal role than ever. They serve as our frontline defence against viruses, bacteria, inflammation, and intolerances. Bolstering our immune defences requires a spectrum of strengthening nutrients and the maintenance of a balanced and resilient gut, which houses 80% of our immune system.
09. Cardio-Vascular
Efficiently delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body is fundamental to keeping every system operating at peak performance. Protecting our heart, lungs, circulatory system, and musculature requires an array of essential nutrients that safeguard our health both in the present and for the future.
10. Brain/Nervous
The brain and nervous system, the most intricate supercomputer known to humanity, govern critical functions such as concentration, memory, mood, libido, and energy levels. Nurturing them with specific nutrients and preserving their connections with the gut, immune system, hormones, and metabolic systems is paramount to ensure our mood, memory, and cognitive faculties operate at their full potential.
REFERENCES
01. Digestion supporting ingredients references:
Tumeric:
- Wang J, Ghosh SS, Ghosh S. Curcumin improves intestinal barrier function: modulation of intracellular signaling, and organization of tight junctions. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2017 Apr 1;312(4):C438-C445.
- Peterson CT, Vaughn AR, Sharma V, et al. Effects of Turmeric and Curcumin Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2018;23:2515690X18790725. doi:10.1177/2515690X18790725
Live probiotics:
- Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Arumugam S, Majeed S, Ali F. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 for the management of major depression with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, multi-centre, pilot clinical study. Food Nutr Res. 2018 Jul 4;62.
- Iebba V, Totino V, Gagliardi A, Santangelo F, Cacciotti F, Trancassini M, Mancini C, Cicerone C, Corazziari E, Pantanella F, Schippa S. Eubiosis and dysbiosis: the two sides of the microbiota. New Microbiol. 2016 Jan;39(1):1-12.
- Kim BS, Choi CW, Shin H, Jin SP, Bae JS, Han M, Seo EY, Chun J, Chung JH. Comparison of the Gut Microbiota of Centenarians in Longevity Villages of South Korea with Those of Other Age Groups. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2019 Mar 28;29(3):429-440.
- de Vrese M, Winkler P, Rautenberg P, Harder T, Noah C, Laue C, Ott S, Hampe J, Schreiber S, Heller K, Schrezenmeir J. Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri PA 16/8, Bifidobacterium longum SP 07/3, B. bifidum MF 20/5 on common cold episodes: a double blind, randomized, controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2005 Aug;24(4):481-91.
Glutamine:
- Wang B, Wu G, Zhou Z, Dai Z, Sun Y, Ji Y, Li W, Wang W, Liu C, Han F, Wu Z. Glutamine and intestinal barrier function. Amino Acids. 2015 Oct;47(10):2143-54.
- Zhou Q, Verne ML, Fields JZ, Lefante JJ, Basra S, Salameh H, Verne GN. Randomised placebo-controlled trial of dietary glutamine supplements for postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Gut. 2019 Jun;68(6):996-1002.
02. Detoxification supporting ingredients references:
Milk Thistle
- Saller R, Brignoli R, Melzer J, Meier R. An updated systematic review with meta-analysis for the clinical evidence of silymarin. Forsch Komplementmed. 2008 Feb;15(1):9-20.
- Saller R, Meier R, Brignoli R. The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases. Drugs. 2001;61(14):2035-63.
Alpha-Lipoic-Acid
- Bustamante J, Lodge JK, Marcocci L, Tritschler HJ, Packer L, Rihn BH. Alpha-lipoic acid in liver metabolism and disease. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998 Apr;24(6):1023-39.
Folate
- Crider KS, Yang TP, Berry RJ, Bailey LB. Folate and DNA methylation: a review of molecular mechanisms and the evidence for folate's role. Adv Nutr. 2012;3(1):21-38. doi:10.3945/an.111.000992
Vitamin B12
Coppen A, Bolander-Gouaille C. Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12. J Psychopharmacol. 2005 Jan;19(1):59-65.
03. Hormone supporting ingredients references:
Schisandra
- Li J, Wang J, Shao JQ, Du H, Wang YT, Peng L. Effect of Schisandra chinensis on interleukins, glucose metabolism, and pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axis in rats under strenuous swimming exercise. Chin J Integr Med. 2015 Jan;21(1):43-8.
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11655-017-2966-y
- Panossian A, Wikman G. Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jul 23;118(2):183-212.
Selenium
- Hawkes WC, Hornbostel L. Effects of dietary selenium on mood in healthy men living in a metabolic research unit. Biol Psychiatry. 1996 Jan 15;39(2):121-8.
Sage extract
Tober C, Schoop R. Modulation of neurological pathways by Salvia officinalis and its dependence on manufacturing process and plant parts used. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jun 13;19(1):128.
Siberian Ginseng
- Kuo J, Chen KW, Cheng IS, Tsai PH, Lu YJ, Lee NY. The effect of eight weeks of supplementation with Eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance capacity and metabolism in human. Chin J Physiol. 2010 Apr 30;53(2):105-11.
04. Skin supporting ingredients references:
Collagen
- Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47-55.
- Bruyère O, Zegels B, Leonori L, Rabenda V, Janssen A, Bourges C, Reginster JY. Effect of collagen hydrolysate in articular pain: a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Complement Ther Med. 2012 Jun;20(3):124-30.
Astaxanthin
- Ito, Net al,2018
Pine Bark
- Grether-Beck S, Marini A, Jaenicke T, Krutmann J. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®) Effects on Human Skin: Clinical and Molecular Evidence. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2016;29(1):13-7.
- Furumura M, Sato N, Kusaba N, Takagaki K, Nakayama J. Oral administration of French maritime pine bark extract (Flavangenol(®)) improves clinical symptoms in photoaged facial skin. Clin Interv Aging. 2012;7:275-286. doi:10.2147/CIA.S33165
Keratin
Beer C, Wood S, Veghte RH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the effect of Cynatine(®) HNS on skin characteristics. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013 Dec;35(6):608-12.
Lycopene
- Grether-Beck S, Marini A, Jaenicke T, Stahl W, Krutmann J. Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Br J Dermatol.
05. Reproductive supporting ingredients references:
Choline
- Ganz AB, Klatt KC, Caudill MA. Common Genetic Variants Alter Metabolism and Influence Dietary Choline Requirements. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 4;9(8).
- Zeisel SH. The supply of choline is important for fetal progenitor cells.Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2011 Aug;22(6):624-8.
- Shaw GM, Carmichael SL, Laurent C, Rasmussen SA. Maternal nutrient intakes and risk of orofacial clefts. Epidemiology. 2006;17:285–91.
- Jiang X, West AA, Caudill MA. Maternal choline supplementation: a nutritional approach for improving offspring health? Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May;25(5):263-73.
Omega 3 DHA
- Carlson SE, Colombo J, Gajewski BJ, Gustafson KM, Mundy D, Yeast J, Georgieff MK, Markley LA, Kerling EH, Shaddy DJ. DHA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):808-15.
CoQ10
- Xu Y, Nisenblat V, Lu C, et al. Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018;16(1):29. Published 2018 Mar 27. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0343-0
- Ben-Meir A, Burstein E, Borrego-Alvarez A, et al. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging Cell. 2015;14(5):887-895. doi:10.1111/acel.12368
- Izadi A, Ebrahimi S, Shirazi S, Taghizadeh S, Parizad M, Farzadi L, Gargari BP. Hormonal and Metabolic Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Vitamin E in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Feb 1;104(2):319-327.
06 Energy supporting ingredients references:
Cordyceps extract
- P Rossi, E Altobelli, D Buonocore, F Marzatico, E Savino. Integratori alimentari a base di Cordyceps Sinensis e Ganoderma lucidum: Effetti sul rapporto testosterone/ cortisol in un gruppo di sportivi. Poster en Congresso Interdisciplinare sulle Piante Medicinale. Universidad di Calabria (2012)
- Illana Esteban C. Cordyceps sinensis, a fungi used in the Chinese traditional medicine. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2007 Dec 31;24(4):259-62.
Siberian ginseng
- Kuo J, Chen KW, Cheng IS, Tsai PH, Lu YJ, Lee NY. The effect of eight weeks of supplementation with Eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance capacity and metabolism in human. Chin J Physiol. 2010 Apr 30;53(2):105-11.
Chromium
- Anton SD, Morrison CD, Cefalu WT, Martin CK, Coulon S, Geiselman P, Han H, White CL, Williamson DA. Effects of chromium picolinate on food intake and satiety. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2008 Oct;10(5):405-12.
Cinnamon
- Couturier K, Hininger I, Poulet L, Anderson RA, Roussel AM, Canini F, Batandier C. Cinnamon intake alleviates the combined effects of dietary-induced insulin resistance and acute stress on brain mitochondria. J Nutr Biochem. 2016 Feb;28:183-90.
07. Musclo-skeletal supporting ingredients references:
Vitamin K2
- Geleijnse JM, Vermeer C, Grobbee DE, Schurgers LJ, Knapen MH, van der Meer IM, Hofman A, Witteman JC. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr. 2004 Nov;134(11):3100-5.
Choline
- Zeisel SH, da Costa KA. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):615-23.
Keratin
Beer C, Wood S, Veghte RH. A clinical trial to investigate the effect of Cynatine HNS on hair and nail parameters. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014;2014:641723.
08 Immunity supporting ingredients references:
Cordyceps
- Xiao Yi, Huang Xi-zhen, Zhu Jia-shi (2004). Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 10,187-192.
- Fung CK et al. (2012) Cordyceps Extracts and the major ingredient, cordycepin: possible cellular mechanisms of their therapeutic effects on respiratory disease, Capítulo 1 en Respiratory Diseases, Mostafa Ghanei (Ed.) InTech.
Elderberry extract
- Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Feb;42:361-365.
- Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182.
Olive leaf extract
- V Somerville, R Moore & A Braakhuis, The Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Upper Respiratory Illness in High School Athletes: A Randomised Control Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Feb; 11(2): 358.
Probiotics
- de Vrese M, Winkler P, Rautenberg P, Harder T, Noah C, Laue C, Ott S, Hampe J, Schreiber S, Heller K, Schrezenmeir J. Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri PA 16/8, Bifidobacterium longum SP 07/3, B. bifidum MF 20/5 on common cold episodes: a double blind, randomized, controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2005 Aug;24(4):481-91.
Andrographis
- Hu XY, Wu RH, Logue M, et al. Correction: Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- PLoS ONE. 2018;13(11):e0207713.Saxena RC, Singh R, Kumar P, Yadav SC, Negi MP, Saxena VS, Joshua AJ, Vijayabalaji V, Goudar KS, Venkateshwarlu K, Amit A. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. Phytomedicine. 2010 Mar;17(3-4):178-85.
09 Cardio-vascular supporting ingredients references:
Astaxanthin
- Robert G Fassett and Jeff S Coombes Astaxanthin, oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiovascular disease Future Cardiology20095:4, 333-342
Co-q-10
- Alf, D., Schmidt, M.E. & Siebrecht, S.C. Ubiquinol supplementation enhances peak power production in trained athletes: a double-blind, placebo controlled study.
- J Int Soc Sports Nutr10,24 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-24
10. Brain supporting ingredients references:
Resveratrol
- Thaung Zaw, J.J.; Howe, P.R.C.; Wong, R.H.X. Sustained Cerebrovascular and Cognitive Benefits of Resveratrol in Postmenopausal Women. Nutrients 2020, 12, 828
Zinc
- Prakash A, Bharti K, Majeed AB. Zinc: indications in brain disorders. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2015 Apr;29(2):131-49.
Omega-3
- Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002 Dec;21(6):495-505.
- Grosso G, Pajak A, Marventano S, Castellano S, Galvano F, Bucolo C, Drago F, Caraci F. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depressive disorders: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One. 2014 May 7;9(5):e96905.
Turmeric Extract
- Al-Karawi D, Al Mamoori DA, Tayyar Y. The Role of Curcumin Administration in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Mini Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Phytother Res. 2016 Feb;30(2):175-83.
- Sanmukhani J, Satodia V, Trivedi J, Patel T, Tiwari D, Panchal B, Goel A, Tripathi CB. Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):579-85.
Vitamin B6
- Anna-leila Williams, Anne Cotter, Alyse Sabina, Christine Girard, Jonathan Goodman, David L Katz, The role for vitamin B-6 as treatment for depression: a systematic review, Family Practice, Volume 22, Issue 5, October 2005, Pages 532–537,
Bilberry Extract
- Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA, et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58(7):3996-4000. doi:10.1021/jf9029332
Probiotics
- Mayer EA, et al. Consumption of fermented milk product with probiotic modulates brain activity. Gastroenterology. 2013 June;144(7):1394-401, 1401.e1-4.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23474283
- Tillisch, K. , Mayer, E. , Gupta, A. , Gill, Z. , Brazeilles, R. , Le Nevé, B. , van Hylckama Vlieg, J. , Guyonnet, D. , Derrien, M. & Labus, J. Brain Structure and Response to Emotional Stimuli as Related to Gut Microbial Profiles in Healthy Women. Psychosomatic Medicine, 2017: 79 (8):905-913.
- Lyte M. Microbial endocrinology and infectious disease in the 21st century. Trends Microbiol. 2004 Jan;12(1):14-20.
- Luan Zhe, Sun Gang, Huang Yun, Yang Yunsheng, Yang Ruifu, Li Congyong, Wang Tingting, Tan Di, Qi Shirui, Jun Chen, Wang Cong, Wang Shufang, Zhao Yiming, Jing Yujia, Metagenomics Study Reveals Changes in Gut Microbiota in Centenarians: A Cohort Study of Hainan Centenarians. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020; 11:1474
- Dinan TG, Stanton C, Cryan JF. Psychobiotics: a novel class of psychotropic. Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Nov 15;74(10):720-6.
Resveratrol
- Xia Zhu, Wenhua Li, Yongkun Li, Wenhua Xu, Yirong Yuan, Victor Zheng, Hanting Zhang, James M. O'Donnell, Ying Xu, Xiaoxing Yin, The antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of resveratrol: Involvement of phosphodiesterase-4D inhibition, Neuropharmacology, Volume 153,2019, Pages 20-31
*EFSA validated claim
Disclaimer Certain supplements are used for different reasons and a one-size-fits-all approach shouldn’t be adopted. In addition, pregnant women and anyone on medication should always consult a doctor before embarking on a supplements programme. As with all articles on lizearle.com, this is no substitution for individual medical or nutritional advice.