06/03/2026
Research has shown that people with long and healthy lives have diverse gut microbiomes. A diet with various forms of fiber helps foster this diversity, says Cummings.
Given the wide variety of sources, such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables, it is relatively easy to increase your intake.
Increasing the consumption of plant-based foods is an obvious measure, especially legumes, since peas, beans, and lentils are high in fiber. Some simple additions could include crushed chickpeas in pancake batter or adding peas to pasta dishes.
Replacing white bread and pasta with whole-grain varieties is another simple option.
If you prefer the taste of white pasta, mixing both makes the difference barely noticeable. Making sure that breakfast cereals are whole-grain helps.