A condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now one of the fastest growing health problems in the United States. Incredibly, experts suggest that 15 to 25 percent of the general population now suffers from this condition.

Though there are few early symptoms, NAFLD can quickly progress to an advanced stage of liver destruction called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — also called fatty (steato) hepatitis.

About 2 to 5 percent of the general population will ultimately develop this dangerous condition.

Of even greater concern is the fact that this condition is increasing among children.

Unfortunately, most doctors are not aware of the current research suggesting that modern diets are the main culprit in NAFLD.

Because most cases of NAFLD begin without symptoms, the majority of people become aware of their condition when a doctor incidentally discovers the problem. About 50 percent will have elevated liver enzymes and show fatty deposits on an MRI scan of the liver.

In most cases, if the diet is changed the condition can improve and even be eliminated. But for an unfortunate few, NAFLD can lead to severe liver damage that may require a transplant.

In these few, the fat accumulation leads to intense inflammation of the liver and severe scarring called cirrhosis. This can advance into complete liver failure and death.

A combination of a high intake of trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils such as corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, and soybean oils), along with monosodium glutamate (MSG) leads to liver damage as well as metabolic syndrome, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance.

MSG alone has been shown to produce intense storms of free radicals and lipid peroxidation products in the liver, an organ that is especially at risk because the blood from the intestines and colon drains directly into it, creating high concentrations of toxic substances.

Interestingly, trans fatty acids, high fructose corn syrup, and MSG all raised cholesterol levels, produced insulin resistance, and caused fat to accumulate in the abdomen (called visceral fat).