Longevity Doctor’s High-Fiber Diet
- Dr.Poonam Desai, an ER physician with two decades of experience, has long advocated for lifestyle changes to promote longevity.
- Desai, also a doctor of osteopathic medicine, personally practices teh habits she recommends.
- This is considerably higher than the average American intake, which Harvard Health Publishing estimates at a mere 10 to 15 grams daily.
Longevity Doctor’s Guide to a Fiber-rich Diet for Enhanced Health
Updated June 07, 2025
Dr.Poonam Desai, an ER physician with two decades of experience, has long advocated for lifestyle changes to promote longevity. Since 2017, her focus has been longevity medicine, where she equips patients with strategies for healthy, extended lives. A key element, Desai says, is increasing fiber intake.
Desai, also a doctor of osteopathic medicine, personally practices teh habits she recommends. She told CNBC Make It that she strives to “optimize” everything she does, including her diet. A cornerstone of her approach is consuming at least 30 to 40 grams of fiber each day.
This is considerably higher than the average American intake, which Harvard Health Publishing estimates at a mere 10 to 15 grams daily. Desai’s diet emphasizes fiber-rich foods to achieve her target for optimal health and wellness, focusing on a high fiber diet.
To increase your fiber intake and improve your health, consider incorporating more of the following into your daily meals, as recommended by this longevity expert.
Fiber-Rich Foods for a Long Life
Desai focuses on several key food groups to reach her daily fiber goal:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Whole grains
She incorporates these into her diet in various ways. “One of my favorite ways to get fiber into my diet is to put a tablespoon of chia seeds in 30 ounces of water,” Desai said.
She also prepares large bowls of mixed fruits and raw vegetables daily. “I have a huge bowl of different fruits almost daily. It coudl be apples, oranges, kiwi, berries, blueberries, strawberries,” she said. ”I pair that with a lot of raw vegetables like raw cauliflower, raw broccoli and cabbage.”
As a vegetarian, desai also relies on plant-based proteins for fiber. “I try to do one serving of either lentils or beans per day,” she noted, highlighting the importance of legumes in a longevity diet.
What’s next
By adopting these strategies,individuals can significantly increase their fiber intake,potentially leading to improved health and increased longevity,as advocated by Dr. Desai. Consider consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
