Leververvetting: oorzaken, symptomen en wat je eraan kunt doen - Insentials

Fatty liver: causes, symptoms, and what you can do about it

If you've been following Insentials for a while, you know we always emphasize how essential the liver is to your health. This organ is not only one of the largest, but also one of the most active in your entire body. Therefore, it's especially important to support your liver and keep it healthy.

The liver, our chemical factory

Everything you eat, drink, or swallow is first absorbed in your intestines and then goes directly to the liver. Substances ingested through your skin or lungs also enter your bloodstream and pass through the liver. The liver thus acts as a first checkpoint: it assesses which substances are usable, which are metabolized, and which are neutralized or eliminated.

In total, the liver performs over 500 essential functions. Yet, it may be our most underestimated organ. The liver receives oxygen-rich blood via the hepatic artery and nutrient-rich blood via the portal vein, originating from the digestive system. Thanks to this dual supply, the liver can continuously process nutrients, store energy, balance hormones, and break down toxic substances.

And we haven't even mentioned the liver's role in inflammation regulation, antioxidant balance, or the storage of minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. It should therefore be clear: when your liver functions well, your entire body benefits.

Your liver works in shifts

Precisely because the liver has so many functions, it can't always perform them all simultaneously. Liver function follows a regular rhythm, with a clear difference between day and night. This phenomenon has also been extensively described in scientific literature.¹

During the day, the focus is primarily on releasing energy and processing everything that comes in. At night, when you sleep, that focus shifts to recovery and cleansing. The liver then neutralizes waste, breaks down excess hormones, repairs damaged cells, and prepares everything to leave the body through bowel movements and urine. The liver is therefore very active at night, detoxing.

When you eat late at night, drink alcohol, or are chronically stressed, your liver still has to function at night as if it were daytime. That's what we call an overworked liver .

Your liver, the detox organ par excellence

The liver is the body's primary detox organ, and this occurs primarily at night. It's a precisely regulated process where every step counts. We distinguish three main phases .

Phase I: Hydroxylation (preparing toxins for processing)

Various substances enter our liver through the large portal vein. Toxic substances, such as environmental pollutants, alcohol, or medication residues, are processed in the first detox phase. The liver chemically modifies them with the help of enzymes. These make the harmful substances partially water-soluble, so we can eliminate them through bile or urine. If this doesn't happen, they are stored in fatty tissue. The liver can then become overloaded, resulting in free radicals, cell damage, and low-grade inflammation.

During this initial detox phase, your body is vulnerable to oxidative stress, but ingredients like milk thistle can provide additional protection. Milk thistle can also increase glutathione levels in the liver and promote healthy enzyme activity during this phase I of detoxification.²

Phase II: Conjugation (neutralizing toxins)

The reactive substances from phase I are still too harmful to be excreted directly. In phase II, they are combined with molecules like glutathione, sulfates, or methyl groups. This makes the toxins safer and water-soluble. Building blocks like NAC (N-acetylcysteine), glutathione itself, and choline are crucial for this phase to proceed smoothly. A deficiency of these substances or an excessive toxin load can cause harmful intermediate products to accumulate. This can also overload your liver.

Phase III: Detoxification (free radical cleansing) and elimination

Even after phase II, free radicals and toxic waste products may still be present in the liver. In phase III, these are also neutralized, primarily by glutathione , our most important endogenous antioxidant. A glutathione deficiency can cause free radical damage to liver cells, further reducing detoxification capacity.

Only when the toxins are no longer harmful and also water-soluble can they be eliminated from the body through bile or urine. Proper elimination is crucial to prevent the accumulation of waste products in the liver. Ingredients like artichoke and choline can stimulate bile flow, allowing harmful substances to be removed more effectively and the liver to recover more effectively.

Every detox phase is necessary

Every phase of the detox process is important, but phase 3 often receives less attention. Without sufficient antioxidants like glutathione, the free radicals from phase 1 remain partially active and can damage cells and the liver. Consider the well-known "detox juices," which primarily focus on phases 1 and 2 but contain insufficient antioxidants. As a result, neutralization and elimination cannot occur properly. Moreover, these juices are often loaded with fructose or fruit sugar, which places additional strain on the liver.

How your liver tries to keep your blood sugar stable

Glucose: your body can't live without it

Glycogen

Besides detoxing, the liver has another vital priority: maintaining a stable blood sugar level. The liver ensures the availability of glucose 24/7, as that's the fuel for your brain, heart, and muscles.

When glucose reaches the liver via the bloodstream, the liver determines what happens to it. Some is stored as glycogen , a sugar reserve that can be released when your blood sugar drops. This happens, for example, between meals, during exercise, or at night. Once this reserve is full, the liver converts excess sugar into fat. These fats are stored primarily in adipose tissue, with a small portion in the liver.

Insulin

Your liver regulates your blood sugar with the help of the pancreas, which produces the hormones insulin and glucagon. Insulin allows glucose from the blood to be absorbed into the cells. This hormone also ensures that excess glucose is stored, and that our excess sugar is converted and stored as fat. That's why we call insulin the "fat storage hormone." The concentration of insulin in our blood typically rises after consuming carbohydrate-rich drinks or food. Incidentally, insulin production is higher when it comes to simple sugars, without fiber. Think of fruit juices and sugary soft drinks, candy, white bread, white pasta, and rice.

Glucagon

Glucagon works in reverse: when blood sugar levels drop, it stimulates the liver to break down glycogen and produce new glucose. Simultaneously, because insulin levels are low, your body switches to burning fat, using stored fat as an energy source. If you want to lose fat mass, it's therefore important to avoid large spikes in blood sugar.

Because stable blood sugar levels are vital to life, the liver always has a backup plan. When sugar levels are low, the liver can generate glucose from amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This mechanism is especially crucial during extended periods of fasting or intense exercise, ensuring your body is continuously supplied with fuel.

Fructose: The sugar that first taxes your liver

Fructose in ultra-processed foods

Besides glucose, fructose also plays a key role in the liver's sugar metabolism. Fructose is much sweeter than glucose and is a natural sugar found primarily in fruit and honey. However, these days, fructose is also increasingly found in (ultra)processed products like soft drinks, candy, and ready-made snacks in the form of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) .

Unlike glucose, which is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can be used as energy by virtually all body cells, fructose is processed almost entirely by the liver. However, just as with glucose, the liver has a maximum processing capacity for fructose. When glycogen stores are full, the liver converts excess fructose into fat. This fat can be stored either in the liver itself—which can lead to fatty liver disease—or in abdominal fat—also known as visceral fat.

The link with obesity

The rise of HFCS coincides remarkably with the rapid increase in obesity . Numerous scientific articles suggest a link between this development, pointing out that fructose is metabolized differently than glucose and that this stimulates fat production , or lipogenesis.

Scientific research also shows that excessive fructose intake puts more strain on the liver and contributes to metabolic stress . Moreover, fructose is considered a key mediator in the development of NAFLD, or fatty liver disease.

Your liver is the first to become insulin resistant

The liver can store an average of 80 to 120 grams of glycogen, which is equivalent to about 20 to 30 sugar cubes. This constitutes our temporary sugar supply . Once this supply is saturated, the body must process excess sugar in other ways. Over time, this increases the risk of insulin resistance.

The causes of insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a metabolic dysfunction that can contribute to fatty liver disease over time. There are two main causes. Lack of exercise prevents us from using our temporary sugar stores sufficiently. And through ultra-processed foods, our liver is constantly being forced to process fast-acting sugars.

As a result, we need more and more insulin, making our liver cells less sensitive to it over the long term. This reduced sensitivity begins in the liver and eventually spreads to other body cells, including those in our muscles. This process is called insulin resistance. Blood sugar levels then spike more frequently, and glucose is less readily absorbed into the cells. The body responds by producing even more insulin, further compromising sugar metabolism.

This excess insulin stimulates fat storage. With insulin resistance, we therefore often see an increase in fat storage, especially in the abdominal region . Another clear sign of insulin resistance can be persistent fatigue, as insufficient glucose reaches the cells to provide energy.

The liver also determines how your body handles fat

In addition to sugar metabolism, the liver is also responsible for our fat metabolism . After each meal, the liver decides whether fats will be used as energy, stored temporarily, or converted for later use.

But fat doesn't just enter our liver through our meals. When we consume more energy than we use—for example, through a sugary diet or a lack of exercise—the liver also converts excess sugar into fat.

These fats are partly stored in adipose tissue, but when overloaded, they can also accumulate in the liver itself, leading to fatty liver disease . During periods of fasting, between meals or at night, the liver switches to burning fat . It then releases energy from fatty acids to fuel the body.

The liver ensures your hormonal balance

Every day, the liver also plays a vital role in breaking down, converting, and regulating hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, and thyroid hormones . When your liver is functioning properly, these hormones can circulate in the right amounts.

Stress, alcohol, medication, a sugary diet, or simply too much stimulation can overload your liver. Its natural detoxification capacity slows down, which can lead to hormonal imbalance . This manifests itself in fluctuations in energy, mood swings, PMS symptoms, PCOS, or moderate to severe symptoms during (peri)menopause.

But the hormonal impact goes even further. A growing number of studies ⁶ ⁷ show that fatty liver disease (MAFLD/NAFLD) is linked to reduced fertility . This applies to both women (through an increased risk of PCOS, anovulation, and hormonal dysregulation) and men (through lower testosterone levels and poorer sperm quality).

Immunity starts in your liver

The liver is also a vital link in your immune system . It constantly filters bacteria, viruses, and other invaders from the blood, producing important immunoproteins that strengthen your immune system.

These functions allow your body to respond faster and more effectively to infections and inflammation . Moreover, a healthy liver supports cooperation between immune cells and other organs, keeping your defenses balanced and your resistance functioning optimally.

Production and storage of nutrients

Finally, the liver also plays a central role in storing and producing nutrients. For example, the liver stores essential vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin A, D, B12, and iron) and releases them when your body needs them.

In addition, the liver produces a range of important proteins , including blood clotting factors and albumin. These substances are crucial for blood clotting, nutrient transport, and proper fluid balance in your body.

An overloaded liver: typical of this time

Our liver has always played a crucial role in our bodies. But today, the pressure on our livers has increased significantly. Think of stress, medication, poor or irregular sleep, processed foods, constant eating, frequent snacking, fatty and sugary meals, air pollution, and lack of exercise.

Problem 1: Detox always comes last

When the liver is already overloaded during the day, it continues to function at night as if it were still daytime. There's hardly any time left for detoxification and recovery. Toxins accumulate in the liver, and cell damage occurs. As a result, the liver's ability to perform its functions increasingly diminishes.

Problem 2: Your liver's detoxification power is limited

Glutathione is our body's most important antioxidant, and is primarily found in the liver. The body produces glutathione itself, using dietary amino acids such as cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. Although glutathione is only absorbed in limited quantities from food, certain foods can support its production. Sulfur-rich vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and garlic are excellent examples, but avocado, spinach, and asparagus also provide important building blocks for this essential antioxidant.

The consequences of a glutathione deficiency

Glutathione is primarily found in our cells and not in the blood, so there are few reliable figures on how often a deficiency occurs. It is known, however, that a glutathione deficiency plays a role in various health problems, including fatty liver disease, inflammation, aging, and impaired defense against oxidative damage . Therefore, maintaining sufficient glutathione stores is often considered a key to a healthy liver and optimal cell protection.

How can you know if your liver is overloaded?

Your body often gives you signals. Waking up during the night, typically between 2 and 4 a.m., for example, is a clear sign that your liver is under stress at night. Unfortunately, these signals are often misunderstood, and we opt for "solutions" that don't address the real cause. In fact, some solutions even put additional strain on your liver. Think of sleeping pills: it's your liver that has to break down and remove the toxins from these medications.

What are the possible consequences of an overloaded liver?

Precisely because the liver has so many tasks in our body, an overloaded liver can lead to many complaints:

Energy and fatigue

  • Chronic fatigue despite sufficient sleep
  • Low energy during the day
  • Quickly exhausted during physical exertion
  • Listlessness or lack of motivation

Digestion

  • Bloating and flatulence
  • Nausea or mild abdominal pain
  • Decreased appetite or intolerances
  • Slow bowel movements or constipation
  • High-fat meals are less well tolerated

Skin and hair

  • Acne or pimples
  • Dull skin or reduced skin elasticity
  • Itching or eczema
  • Accelerated aging of skin and hair

Concentration and memory

  • Concentration problems or brain fog
  • Memory problems or forgetfulness
  • Headache or mild migraine
  • Decreased mental clarity

Weight and metabolism

  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Weight gain despite healthy eating
  • Fluctuating blood sugar levels
  • Problems with fat and sugar metabolism
  • Increased fat storage in the abdominal area

Hormonal balance

  • PMS symptoms, cramps, mood swings
  • PCOS-related complaints (irregular cycle, acne, weight gain)
  • Peri- or menopausal complaints such as hot flashes and mood swings
  • Thyroid dysfunction (bloating)
  • Excessive stress hormones (cortisol) that affect energy levels and sleep
  • Fertility problems in both women and men

Immunity

  • Slow recovery from a cold or flu
  • Greater susceptibility to infections
  • Allergies or inflammation sensitivity
  • Reduced resistance to physical or mental stress

The impact of alcohol

The liver normally processes harmful substances primarily at night. This process changes with alcohol. Due to the toxicity of the breakdown product acetaldehyde, the breakdown of alcohol always takes priority.

The morning after drinking alcohol, you often feel like you haven't slept. This makes sense, because while the liver was busy breaking down alcohol, maintaining stable blood sugar levels was less of an issue.⁸ This drastically reduces the quality of your sleep , and you wake up feeling tired.

In addition, regular alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver disease over time. When the liver constantly has to process alcohol, fat storage in liver cells increases. This places additional strain on the liver and, over time, can contribute to metabolic dysregulation, insulin resistance, and chronic liver problems.

non alcoholische leververvetting insulineresistentie insentials

It's not just alcohol that's the problem

For a long time, it was thought that liver problems were always linked to alcohol abuse. It wasn't until the 1980s that scientists first described the phenomenon of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) . For the first time, lifestyle factors were also mentioned as possible causes. These included insufficient exercise, ultra-processed foods, stress, insufficient sleep, and medication.

The problem goes much further, because every aspect of our lifestyle can put extra strain on our liver. Even when you eat healthily and exercise enough, our Western lifestyle puts pressure on the liver's detoxification capacity.

A holistic approach to liver health

Meanwhile, considerable research has been conducted into the impact of lifestyle on liver problems, and very strong insights have emerged into the underlying cause. Therefore, since 2023, this type of fatty liver disease has been referred to as MAFLD (metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease) ⁹ to explicitly identify the underlying metabolic cause. The idea is that a liver under prolonged stress can eventually cause metabolic disruptions and increase the risk of liver disease.

The shift from NAFLD to MAFLD emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to liver health. This new focus allows us to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Combining lifestyle changes with supportive supplements can significantly impact liver health and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders.

From an overloaded liver to a fatty liver

When your liver is chronically or long-term overloaded, it increases the risk of fatty liver disease. Excessive fats accumulate in the liver cells, gradually disrupting liver function. How this fat storage in the liver increases is a complex process. Although much research is still needed to fully understand everything, scientists have already uncovered the key mechanisms¹⁰. Genetic factors play a role, but lifestyle and liver overload significantly increase the risk of fatty liver disease . It has therefore been called the "disease of the future" because constant liver strain has become almost unavoidable.

How liver overload leads to fatty liver disease and ultimately liver damage is a process that begins with insufficient liver detoxification capacity . This results in metabolic dysfunction¹¹, followed by oxidative stress, inflammatory, and immune responses, ultimately resulting in cell damage.

How do you know if your liver is overloaded or fatty?

Initially, your body tries to compensate for oxidative stress with its own antioxidants, the most important of which is glutathione. As long as your glutathione stores are sufficient, you can handle the overload and won't experience any symptoms, despite the enormous strain on your liver.

But when the overload lasts too long or is too severe, you develop problems such as difficult weight management, hormonal imbalances, and acne. Various tests—from blood tests and ultrasounds to scans—are available to assess liver health. The problem with all these medical tests is that they often only reveal abnormalities after damage has already occurred.

What can you do in case of liver damage?

The good news is that the liver has an enormous capacity for self-healing or regenerative healing . Even when 50 to 70% of the tissue has been removed or damaged, the liver can often fully recover if the underlying causes are addressed. The damage is therefore often reversible, especially if timely intervention is provided through lifestyle, nutrition, and additional supportive ingredients.

Tips for a liver-friendly lifestyle

Give your digestion enough rest

The liver needs rest to function optimally. Therefore, it's important to plan your meals to give the organs sufficient recovery time. Keep your meals rich in protein and healthy fats. This will keep you feeling full longer, reduce cravings, and often eliminate the need for snacks. Aim for three complete meals a day , with half your plate consisting of vegetables and fiber, a quarter from a good source of protein, and a quarter from carbohydrates.

Research¹² shows that periods of fasting between meals give the liver the opportunity to recover and detoxify. By not eating constantly, the liver has time to perform its functions efficiently.

Avoid processed foods and choose fiber

Limit highly processed foods high in added sugars, fructose, and trans fats. Examples include prepackaged bread, cookies, and pastries, as well as soft drinks, juices, processed meats like salami, and ready-made meals. Instead, choose whole foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and legumes. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale are particularly valuable: they contain antioxidants and fiber that reduce fat absorption and combat inflammation¹³.

Eat an egg more often

Proteins provide amino acids essential for the production of liver enzymes and antioxidants like glutathione. Good sources include eggs, fish, and lean meat. Choline , which is abundant in eggs, helps the liver eliminate fats and prevents them from accumulating. But be careful: choline is sensitive to temperature. So, it's better to eat a soft-boiled egg with runny yolk than a hard-boiled one.

Take care of your intestinal flora

Studies¹⁴ suggest that gut flora is not only associated with, but may also contribute to, fatty liver disease. Therefore, eat plenty of fiber and also choose more fermented foods . Think yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut.

Exercise on an empty stomach

Exercising on an empty stomach can help you deplete your glycogen stores and boost fat burning. Several studies¹⁵ show that fasted exercise can contribute to more efficient fat oxidation . This reduces the burden on the liver in processing excess fat. Note: this is mainly suitable for light to moderate exercise and not for intense training or if you have a medical condition.

Manage stress, sleep and exercise

Stress and lack of sleep increase cortisol production, which puts additional strain on the liver and can contribute to insulin resistance and fatty liver disease. Regular exercise not only supports blood sugar metabolism but also helps improve insulin sensitivity . A healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, stress reduction, and daily exercise is therefore crucial for a well-functioning liver¹⁶.

Limit alcohol consumption

The liver always prioritizes the breakdown of alcohol. As a result, other functions temporarily take a back seat. Excessive drinking increases the risk of fatty liver disease, inflammation, and oxidative stress. For a healthy liver, it's recommended to limit alcohol as much as possible, or even better, take alcohol-free days¹⁷ .

Discover the supporting power of additional ingredients

Numerous ingredients are known for their liver-boosting properties . These include choline, milk thistle, NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine), artichoke, black radish, and recently, Antrodia camphorata . This last ingredient is derived from a medicinal mushroom and has received considerable attention in scientific studies on liver recovery.

Which ingredients support my liver health?

Choline

Choline is produced in small amounts in the liver, but this natural production is usually insufficient. Therefore, dietary supply is essential. Rich sources include eggs, fish, meat, chicken, soy, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Choline is essential for liver health. A choline deficiency increases the risk of fat accumulation in the liver.

Glutathione (reduced)

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps your liver neutralize and eliminate toxins. Your body produces glutathione naturally, but this is often not enough. Glutathione exists in two forms: reduced and oxidized. Only the reduced form effectively protects against harmful substances. It was previously thought that it couldn't be absorbed directly through supplements. However, recent studies¹⁸ show that glutathione can be absorbed, making direct supplementation an effective way to support your liver.

Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Milk thistle is a well-known liver herb, primarily thanks to its active flavonoid complex, silymarin. Silymarin strengthens the cell membrane structure of liver cells (hepatocytes), making it more difficult for toxins to enter. Milk thistle therefore helps protect the liver from oxidative stress . It also supports healthy enzyme activity and can increase glutathione levels in the liver, contributing to more efficient detoxification .

N-Acetyl-Cysteine ​​(NAC)

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the liver's most important antioxidant. It supports the liver's detoxification function and helps neutralize harmful substances and free radicals. Because NAC is an antioxidant , it already provides initial protection in phase I of detoxification. However, its most important role is in phase II. NAC supports glutathione synthesis , and this antioxidant is used to neutralize and bind toxins in phase II.

Artichoke

Artichoke is eaten as a vegetable and used in extract form as a herbal remedy, particularly for liver and biliary problems. The extract supports the liver by stimulating the production and release of bile , which helps remove waste products. It also offers mild antioxidant protection for liver cells, especially during phase III of detox.

Radish

Research shows that black radish can support the liver.¹⁹ The sulfur-containing compounds in black radish help neutralize toxins while stimulating the gallbladder to release bile.

Antrodia camphorata

One of the most recent and promising natural ingredients in the field of liver support is the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata. This mushroom has been studied for its ability to regulate lipid metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, moderate inflammatory responses in the liver, and stimulate cell regeneration. In other words, it offers support precisely at the levels where fatty liver disease and overload occur.

The benefits of Antrodia camphorata for your liver

  • A study shows that Antrodia camphorata can drastically reduce the concentration of acetaldehyde, the toxic breakdown product of alcohol, in our blood.²⁰
  • Antrodia camphorata can also help reduce the production of new fats and stimulate fat oxidation. This reduces the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease.
  • Another study²¹ shows that it reduces triglyceride production in the liver by 16.8%. It also contributes to better glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity, two important factors for a healthy liver.
  • Antrodia camphorata contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and thus reduce oxidative stress.
  • The bioactive compounds in the medicinal mushroom have an anti-inflammatory effect, which moderates immune responses in the liver. Studies show that Antrodia camphorata has a significant positive impact on markers of liver inflammation after just 12 weeks.²²
  • Antrodia camphorata can also support liver cell regeneration. A 2018 study found visible recovery from cell damage.

Assess your risk of an overburdened liver

Based on the most important risk factors and most common symptoms, Insentials developed a concise questionnaire. This helps to assess your personal risk of liver overload. You will be assigned to one of four levels. Each level is linked to a targeted package of ingredients for optimal support.

Level 1: no complaints

Even if you eat healthily and exercise enough, our Western lifestyle puts pressure on the liver's detox capacity. As long as your glutathione stores are sufficient, you can absorb the overload and will not experience any ailments. Daily support via the Lipoglutathox™ blend of Detox Boost, with ingredients such as glutathione, choline, milk thistle, artichoke and NAC, is an interesting addition for everyone to relieve pressure on your liver.

Level 2: temporary overload

In certain phases of our lives, it is simply a reality that we eat more, drink more alcohol, experience more stress or exercise less. It is precisely during such periods that it is important to give your liver extra support and promote recovery. The powerful Proantrodia™ blend of Liverboost Forte focuses on both protection and recovery. It is therefore the ideal choice during and after this phase. It is recommended to take the blend during and at least one month after the period of extra strain.

Level 3: mild complaints

When the overload persists for too long or is too great, ailments become noticeable that can manifest themselves in different areas: difficult weight control, hormonal imbalance, acne, etc. These are often typical lifestyle ailments that we sometimes suffer from for years. The Proantrodia™ blend already shows strong results after 12 weeks of intake, and at this level it is best taken as a 3-month course.

Level 4: clear signs

Are there clear signs indicating an overload of your liver, fatty liver and perhaps already liver damage? Then we recommend taking the course with the Proantrodia™ blend for a longer period. In this case, a 6-month course is recommended for in-depth recovery of your liver function at different levels.

Healthy choices

Finally, it's important to emphasize that optimal liver health always goes hand in hand with your lifestyle. Sufficient sleep, stress reduction, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mindful alcohol consumption make all the difference. We wish you the best of luck in this journey to better understand and actively work on your liver health.

Detox Boost and Liverboost Forte: Supplements for Your Liver

Do you want to support your liver function efficiently with supplements? Insentials Detox Boost and Liverboost Forte contain a blend of scientifically-backed ingredients that promote liver detoxification, protect your liver function, and support your metabolism.

Detox Boost contains Lipoglutathox™, a patented blend of milk thistle, glutathione, NAC, choline, and artichoke extract. It is an ideal daily supplement to optimally support your liver's function.

Liverboost Forte contains the Insentials Proantrodia™ blend, with extracts of Antrodia camphorata. This supplement is a good choice if you already have certain complaints, and focuses on both protection and recovery.

Detox Boost and Liverboost Forte together form the perfect Liver Reset combo. That's why they are both included in the Liver Restore Pack.

Take our liver quiz now and find out which liver formula suits you best.

Sources:

¹ Daniels, L.J., Kay, D., Marjot, T., Hodson, L.¹⁴, & Ray, D.W. (2023). Circadian regulation of liver metabolism: experimental approaches in human, rodent, and cellular models. American journal of physiology. Cell physiology, 325(5), C1158–C1177. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00551.2022

² Khazaei, R., Seidavi, A., & Bouyeh, M. (2021). A review on the mechanisms of the effect of silymarin in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on some laboratory animals. Veterinary Medicine And Science, 8(1), 289–301. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.641

³ Rizkalla, S. W. (2010). Health implications of fructose consumption: A review of recent data. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7(1), 82. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-7-82

⁴ Lodge, M., Dykes, R., & Kennedy, A. (2024). Regulation of Fructose Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomolecules, 14(7), 845. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14070845

⁵ Muriel, P., López-Sánchez, P., & Ramos-Tovar, E. (2021). Fructose and the Liver. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(13), 6969. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22136969

⁶ Weiskirchen, R., & Lonardo, A. (2025). The Ovary–Liver Axis: Molecular Science and Epidemiology. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 26(13), 6382. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136382

⁷ Wu, X., Zhang, L., & Wu, W. (2025). Positive and linear association of hepatic steatosis index with female infertility in US women: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2018. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1617550. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1617550

⁸ Kalaria, T., Ko, YL, & Issuee, KKJ (2021). Literature review: drug and alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia. Journal Of Laboratory And Precision Medicine, 6, 21. https://doi.org/10.21037/jlpm-21-16

⁹ Grabherr, F., Grander, C., Effenberger, M., Schwärzler, J., & Tilg, H. (2022). MAFLD: what 2 years of the redefinition of fatty liver disease has taught us. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology And Metabolism, 13, 20420188221139101. https://doi.org/10.1177/20420188221139101

¹⁰ Bessone, F., Razori, M.V., & Roma, M.G. (2019). Molecular pathways of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development and progression. Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, 76(1), 99–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-018-2947-0

¹¹ Rao, G., Peng, X., Li, X., An, K., He, H., Fu, X., Li, S., & An, Z. (2023). Unmasking the enigma of lipid metabolism in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: from mechanism to the clinic. Frontiers in Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1294267

¹² Deng, J., Feng, D., Jia, X., Zhai, S., Liu, Y., Gao, N., Zhang, Efficacy and mechanism of intermittent fasting in metabolic associated fatty liver disease based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.838091

¹³ Fahey, J. W., & Talalay, P. (1999). Antioxidant functions of sulforaphane: a potent inducer of Phase II detoxication enzymes. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 37(9-10), 973–979. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0278-6915(99)00082-4

¹⁴ Ouyang, C., Liu, P., Liu, Y. et al. Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD: a Mendelian randomization study. BMC Gastroenterol 24, 244 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-024-03277-w

¹⁵ Le Guen, O., Samland, J., Friedrich, T., Hanus, D., & Brown, P. (2015). Making sense of (exceptional) causal relations. A cross-cultural and cross-linguistic study. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 1645. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01645

¹⁶ Kaur, G., Pinkston, R., Mclemore, B., Dorsey, W. C., & Batra, S. (2018). Immunological and toxicological risk assessment of e-cigarettes. European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society, 27(147), 170119. https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0119-2017

¹⁷ Torralbo, A., Kelley, T.A., Rees, G., & Lavie, N. (2016). Attention induced neural response trade-off in retinotopic cortex under load. Scientific reports, 6, 33041. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep33041

¹⁸ Hagen, TM, Wierzbicka, GT, Sillau, AH, Bowman, BB, & Jones, DP (1990). Bioavailability of dietary glutathione: effect on plasma concentration. The American journal of physiology, 259(4 Pt 1), G524–G529. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.1990.259.4.G524

¹⁹ Hwang, K.-A., Hwang, Y., Hwang, H.-J., & Park, N. (2022). Hepatoprotective Effects of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis. Nutrients, 14(23), 5082. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235082

²⁰ Chen, MCM, Chen, P., Cheng, HHY, Takeda, R., & Mochida, K. (2019). Clinical Benefits of Antrodia Camphorata Containing Antroquinonol on Daily Fatigue and Alcohol Syndrome. Food Science & Nutrition Research, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.33425/2641-4295.1025

²¹ Yen, Y., Park, J., Kang, S., Su, T., Cheng, H., Wen, W., Lin, S., Tai, Y., Chen, P., & Tsai, S. (2022). Clinical Benefits of Golden-Antrodia Camphorata Containing Antroquinonol in Liver Protection and Liver Fat Reduction After Alcoholic Hepatitis. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 757494. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.757494

²² Yen, Y., Park, J., Kang, S., Su, T., Cheng, H., Wen, W., Lin, S., Tai, Y., Chen, P., & Tsai, S. (2022). Clinical Benefits of Golden-Antrodia Camphorata Containing Antroquinonol in Liver Protection and Liver Fat Reduction After Alcoholic Hepatitis. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 757494. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.757494

²³ Shih, Y., Wu, M., Lee, C., Yeh, M., Chou, J., Liu, J., Lu, H., Huang, Y., Liao, N., & Chung, J. (2018). ExpandIn Vivo September-October 2017 vol. 31 no. 5 877-884 Antrodia Cinnamomea Reduces Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity In Male Wister Rats. In Vivo, 31(5), 877–884. https://doi.org/10.21873/invivo.11142