I don't believe that we need to follow the dietary laws of the OT in order to be right with God. It is through our acceptance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for our sins that we are made right with Him. But I do think it is in our best interests to follow the dietary guidelines of our Creator.
"If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee." (Exodus 15:;26)
I would agree. God's laws are for our benefit and we disregard them at our own peril. I believe he designed certain animals to be used as food for humans and certain animals not to be food for humans. The meat he didn't intend for us to eat are incompatible in some way with the human body.