Fad Diets: Are They Safe for the Body?

When it comes to fad diets, the best answer I can give is: it depends.

Take the keto diet for example. I first tried it back in 2013—before it was even popular—and I stuck with it for two years. At first, I loved it. I didn’t have much weight to lose, but I still dropped about 12 pounds, and I thought I was doing great. I followed it faithfully, adding butter and MCT oil to my bulletproof coffee every morning, and eating in a way that seemed “healthy” at the time.

But years later, I discovered that my experience wasn’t as positive as I thought. Keto had actually disrupted my liver function and hormone balance. Through deeper testing, I learned that my genetic makeup doesn’t allow me to metabolize caffeine well, and my body doesn’t thrive on saturated fats. For me, the only fats that work long-term are olive oil and avocado. Add to that the fact that I carry a variant of the MTHFR gene, which makes me a slow methylator, and suddenly it made sense why keto backfired for me over time.

That doesn’t mean keto is all bad. In fact, it was originally developed as a therapeutic diet to help people with epilepsy, and it can be life-changing for certain conditions. But here’s the point: not every diet is right for every body.

Why Some Diets “Work” at First

• Parasites
• Fungal infections
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Mineral deficiencies

Those deeper issues don’t go away just because you cut out certain foods. They’re simply pushed aside for a while.

A Safer Approach: Seasonal & Balanced Eating

Instead of chasing the next diet trend, I recommend returning to the basics:

• Eat seasonally. God created foods to appear in the seasons when our bodies need them most. For example, oranges are abundant in winter—the very time our immune systems need extra vitamin C.
• Eat in moderation. No single food group should dominate your plate. Balance is key.
• Listen to your body. If you’re craving real, nourishing foods like good fats or complex carbs, honor that. If you have to force yourself to eat something just because it’s “healthy,” your body may be signaling that it doesn’t need it.

From my testing work (including OligoScan mineral analysis), I’ve seen patterns in people who follow restrictive diets long-term, such as vegans or strict carnivores. They often show deficiencies in potassium, zinc, and magnesium—minerals that are crucial for energy, immunity, and overall health.

My Professional Take

The only time I recommend a very specific diet is when there’s a clear medical diagnosis and a trusted practitioner advises it. Even then, it’s essential to make sure the body is clear of parasites, fungal infections, and other hidden stressors before committing to such a restrictive way of eating. Otherwise, the diet itself can do more harm than good.

The bottom line: listen to your body. If you have histamine issues, digestive struggles, or other symptoms, don’t just keep layering on restrictive diets and hoping for the best. Find the root cause—whether it’s genetics, parasites, or something else—and address it from there.

Ready to Discover the Root Cause?

If you’d like to know whether you’re carrying hidden parasites or struggling with mineral imbalances, click the link below. I’d love to help you uncover what’s really going on and guide you toward lasting healing.

👉Contact | Restore Vitality

Article By:

Erin Biberston: Board-Certified Health Coach, mIntegrative Wellness Specialist | Practitioner of Hanna Kroeger & Dr. Hulda Clark’s Methods

With over a decade of experience in integrative wellness, Erin Biberston specializes in uncovering the root causes of chronic illness using the time-honored methods of Hanna Kroeger and Dr. Hulda Clark. Her work focuses on clearing parasites, fungi, bacteria, environmental toxins, and emotional blockages — all while restoring the body’s natural detox and repair systems through lifestyle, food, and targeted supplementation.

Erin blends scientific insight with spiritual discernment, using tools like saliva testing, mineral scans, and energy clearing to guide her clients toward full-body healing. She is especially passionate about helping those who have struggled for years with mystery symptoms, offering customized support that aligns with both physical and emotional needs.