The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
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Top 10 The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Why A1C Isn't Enough: Insights from Dr. Ben Bikman with Dr. Ken Berry
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
08/26/24 • 27 min
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. Ben Bikman discussed the critical role of endogenous insulin, the limitations of focusing solely on glucose levels, and the implications of common markers like A1C and uric acid in understanding metabolic health.
Dr. Berry began by highlighting how many primary care physicians misunderstand the function of beta cells in type 2 diabetes, often believing that these cells “burn out” and stop producing insulin. Dr. Bikman clarified that in true type 2 diabetes, beta cells do not fail entirely; instead, insulin production often remains high or slightly decreases, which is still significantly higher than normal.
The problem lies in the body’s insulin resistance, not a lack of insulin production. Dr. Bikman emphasized the importance of measuring fasting insulin levels early in a patient's metabolic health journey, noting that levels above 6 microunits/mL can indicate potential problems.
The conversation then shifted to the A1C test, a common marker used to assess blood glucose levels over time. Dr. Berry and Dr. Bikman discussed the limitations of A1C, particularly how it can be falsely elevated or decreased based on the lifespan of red blood cells. Longer-lived red blood cells can cause a falsely high A1C, even if glucose levels are normal, while short-lived red blood cells can lead to a falsely low A1C in the presence of hyperglycemia. Dr. Bikman suggested that while A1C has value, it should not be the sole marker for assessing metabolic health. He also pointed out that A1C does not account for the glycation caused by other sugars like fructose, which can lead to significant damage not reflected in A1C results.
Dr. Berry raised concerns about the carnivore community, where some individuals see their A1C levels rise despite a healthy diet. Dr. Bikman explained that this could be due to longer-lived red blood cells resulting from a nutrient-rich diet. He recommended the fructosamine test as a better indicator of glucose glycation in these cases. The discussion also touched on the lack of tests for fructose and galactose glycation, leaving healthcare providers blind to the potential damage caused by high fructose intake, especially from fruit juices.
The classroom discussion concluded with an exchange about uric acid, particularly its relationship with fructose metabolism. Dr. Bikman shared insights from his research showing that uric acid, which is produced during fructose metabolism, can contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation. However, he also noted that ketones, produced during a ketogenic diet, can inhibit the inflammation caused by uric acid, providing a potential explanation for why individuals on ketogenic diets may experience improved metabolic health despite elevated uric acid levels.
Learn more about Dr. Ken Berry: https://www.drberry.com/about
#InsulinResistance #Type2Diabetes #DrBenBikman #DrKenBerry #A1CTest #FastingInsulin #UricAcid #CarnivoreDiet #Fructose #MetabolicHealth #KetogenicDiet #Inflammation #BetaCells #Endocrinology #BloodGlucose #ProperHumanDiet #HealthLecture #MetabolicClassroom #BiomedicalScience #InsulinIQ
My favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)
My favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)
My favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)
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Strategies for Fat Burning with Dr. Ben Bikman
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
03/28/24 • 33 min
In this lecture from the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist specializing in metabolism, delves into various strategies for fat loss.
He begins by highlighting the importance of understanding fat tissue dynamics, focusing particularly on hormones, drugs, and sex-specific effects. The main topic for the lecture is strategies for fat loss, which Bikman divides into three categories: drugs, surgical interventions, and lifestyle changes.
Bikman briefly revisits the topic of drugs for fat loss, emphasizing GLP-1 agonists and their mechanism of action in reducing cravings. He discusses their efficacy but also mentions potential side effects such as sexual dysfunction and the risk of regaining fat mass after discontinuation.
Moving on to surgical interventions, Bikman provides detailed explanations of bariatric surgeries including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Ben discusses their mechanisms, benefits, drawbacks, and potential complications, shedding light on the complexity and consequences of these procedures.
Next, Bikman explores liposuction, highlighting its cosmetic nature and its limited impact on metabolic health. He explains how liposuction removes fat cells from subcutaneous fat depots, which may lead to a rebound effect as remaining fat cells compensate by hypertrophying.
The lecture’s focus then shifts to lifestyle changes, particularly exercise and nutrition. Bikman emphasizes that exercise should be pursued for health and strength rather than solely for weight loss. He stresses the importance of nutrition in fat loss, advocating for strategies that prioritize lowering insulin levels through carbohydrate control, prioritizing protein, and not fearing dietary fat.
Bikman underscores the significance of managing insulin levels as a primary step in fat loss, followed by potential calorie control through structured fasting if necessary. He discusses the metabolic advantages of lowering insulin, including increased metabolic rate and ketone production.
Finally, Dr. Bikman briefly mentions alternate methods like sauna and cold plunge therapy, suggesting their potential contribution to fat loss, although empirical evidence is lacking. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of shrinking fat cells through proper lifestyle strategies, promoting overall metabolic health.
Throughout the lecture, Bikman’s teaching style is engaging and informative, providing insights into the complex interplay of hormones, physiology, and behavior in fat metabolism and weight management.
Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com
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Oxalates and Metabolic Health: How and Why Antinutrients From Plants Can Be Harmful
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
11/14/24 • 35 min
For The Metabolic Classroom lecture this week, Dr. Bikman explores the often-overlooked effects of oxalates on human health, with a focus on their impact on metabolic, kidney, cardiovascular, gut, and joint health.
Oxalates are natural compounds found in various plants, including leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as certain nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes. They serve as a defense mechanism for plants against herbivores, as their high concentrations can cause irritation and reduce nutrient absorption. While often thought of as harmless, oxalates can act as “antinutrients” by binding to essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, limiting their bioavailability and potentially leading to deficiencies.
Oxalates form crystals with calcium, creating a compound known as calcium oxalate. When these crystals accumulate in the body, they can contribute to kidney stones—a problem that affects many people. Ben explains that calcium oxalate crystals make up about 80% of all kidney stones, underscoring the connection between oxalate consumption and kidney health. Individuals prone to kidney stones, particularly those consuming high-oxalate diets or taking high doses of vitamin C (which the body can convert to oxalates), may face a heightened risk.
To mitigate oxalate-related health risks, Dr. Bikman suggests practical strategies, including reducing high-oxalate foods, ensuring adequate calcium intake to bind oxalates in the gut, staying hydrated to aid in oxalate excretion, and consuming fermented foods or probiotic supplements to support a healthy gut microbiome. He also highlights the importance of a balanced approach to vitamin C supplementation, as excessive intake may increase oxalate production in the body.
visit: https://www.insuliniq.com
Ben’s favorite yerba maté and fiber supplement: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/InsulinIQ
Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)
Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)
Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)
Ben’s favorite health check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)
Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)
Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: Ben10)
Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: [email protected] with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to, which in this case is “Episode 78 - Oxalates & Metabolic Health”.
#Oxalates #MetabolicHealth #KidneyStones #AntiNutrients #DrBenBikman #CalciumOxalate #GutHealth #Inflammation #JointPain #FermentedFoods #Microbiome #Probiotics #NutrientAbsorption #Metabolism #OxalatesInPlants
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Does Too Much Fat in Your Diet Cause Hypertension?
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
03/23/21 • 26 min
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Does High Insulin Lead to More Migraines?
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
03/19/21 • 17 min
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Alcohol and Insulin Resistance
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
06/20/24 • 27 min
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom Dr. Ben Bikman focused on the effects of alcohol on insulin resistance, emphasizing how ethanol, the main form of alcohol, influences the brain and metabolism. He highlighted that alcohol is primarily metabolized by the liver and can cause insulin resistance through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Dr. Bikman detailed the molecular pathways by which ethanol inhibits insulin signaling, notably by disrupting the insulin receptor substrate (IRS1) and increasing oxidative stress, which impairs insulin's ability to regulate glucose.
Ben provided evidence from studies demonstrating ethanol's impact on insulin resistance at the cellular and whole-body levels. Research showed that ethanol consumption leads to higher insulin responses during glucose tolerance tests, indicating a reduced sensitivity to insulin. This phenomenon was observed in healthy humans who experienced a significant increase in insulin levels after consuming alcohol, suggesting a profound metabolic shift due to ethanol's presence.
The lecture also covered indirect effects of alcohol on insulin resistance. Many alcoholic beverages contain high amounts of sugar, exacerbating insulin and glucose responses. Alcohol disrupts sleep quality, leading to poor metabolic outcomes and increased cortisol levels, which further contribute to insulin resistance. Additionally, ethanol competes with other metabolic substrates, leading to fat accumulation in the liver and elevated glucose and fat levels in the body.
Dr. Bikman concluded by discussing the inflammatory response triggered by alcohol, particularly through the concept of a "leaky gut," where ethanol causes gaps in intestinal cells, allowing harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to enter the bloodstream and induce inflammation. This inflammation promotes ceramide production, further contributing to insulin resistance. Overall, Dr. Bikman emphasized the significant role of alcohol in metabolic health issues and encouraged mindfulness regarding alcohol consumption to mitigate these risks.
01:10 - Alcohol and Metabolism
02:18 - Direct Effects of Ethanol
03:26 - Insulin Receptor Disruption
06:38 - Whole-Body Impact
08:37 - Ceramides and Insulin Resistance
11:34 - Indirect Effects: Sugar
13:31 - Indirect Effects: Sleep
18:37 - Indirect Effects: Substrate Competition
23:34 - Inflammation and Leaky Gut
Studies Referenced:
(see notes on YouTube video: https://youtu.be/1aMuPTre1IU )
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The Skinny on Fat: Sex and Fat Metabolism
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
03/21/24 • 32 min
In this episode of the metabolic classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman takes the helm to explore the multifaceted role of fat tissue as an endocrine organ. He begins by challenging the conventional view of fat tissue as merely a storage depot for energy, emphasizing its crucial role in hormone production and regulation.
Dr. Bikman introduces the concept of endocrine organs and highlights the often overlooked status of fat tissue as one such organ. He discusses how fat tissue releases hormones into the bloodstream, exerting significant metabolic effects throughout the body.
The lecture delves into sex-specific differences in fat distribution and hormone production, with a focus on the influence of estrogen on fat storage and hormone levels in women. Dr. Bikman further explores the impact of menopause on fat tissue and hormonal changes, shedding light on how shifts in hormone production affect metabolism and fertility.
Leptin, the first discovered fat-derived hormone, is dissected in detail by Dr. Bikman, who elucidates its role in appetite regulation, metabolic processes, and fertility. He discusses how excess fat can lead to leptin resistance, compromising its effectiveness in metabolic regulation.
Other hormones such as adiponectin, estrogen, TNF alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and T3 are also explored for their metabolic effects and their association with fat cell size.
The lecture concludes with a focus on brown adipose tissue and its production of T3, highlighting its role in regulating metabolic rate, particularly in response to stimuli like cold exposure.
In summary, Dr. Bikman provides a comprehensive overview of the endocrine functions of adipose tissue, emphasizing the intricate relationship between fat cells and hormone regulation, with implications for metabolism, inflammation, and overall health.
00:01 - Introduction to Adipose Tissue as an Endocrine Organ
01:07 - Sex-Specific Differences in Fat Distribution
03:21 - Impact of Menopause on Fat Tissue and Hormone Production
05:45 - Endocrine Effects of Fat Distribution
07:58 - Role of Fat Tissue in Aromatization and Estrogen Production
10:13 - Impact of Fat Cell Size on Hormone Production
12:24 - Detailed Exploration of Leptin
14:45 - Examination of Adiponectin and its Metabolic Effects
18:17 - TNF Alpha and its Impact on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
21:05 - Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and its Implications for Clotting
22:16 - Brown Adipose Tissue and its Production of T3
24:30 - Conclusion and Summary
#insulinresistance #metabolicsyndrome #metabolichealth #type2diabetes #type1diabetes #weightloss #intermittentfasting #intermittantfasting #fasting #lowcarb
Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com
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What is GLP-1, What Does It Do, and Where Does It Come From?
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
02/14/24 • 33 min
In today's episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman delves into the fascinating topic of GLP-1, a hormone of significant interest in metabolic research. Dr. Bikman sets the stage by expanding the discussion beyond GLP-1 to include other incretions, defining them as a class of hormones produced by the small intestine. These hormones play crucial roles in nutrient metabolism, satiety, and hunger regulation.
The discovery of incretions stemmed from observations following gastric bypass surgeries, where elevated levels of these hormones were found in the bloodstream, leading to improvements in diabetes. Dr. Bikman highlights GLP-1's well-known effect on insulin secretion and glucagon suppression, which contribute to its ability to rapidly correct high glucose levels and improve diabetes. However, he notes the ongoing debate regarding GLP-1's direct insulin secretagogue effect in humans, contrasting findings from cell culture and animal models with recent human studies.
Moving beyond GLP-1, Dr. Bikman discusses other incretions like GIP, PYY, and cholecystokinin, outlining their roles in glucose regulation, appetite control, and digestion. He explores the pharmacological applications of GLP-1 agonists in managing diabetes and obesity, detailing various drugs and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, he touches upon natural methods to enhance GLP-1 secretion, including dietary factors like protein, fat, and sugars. The session concludes with insights into the live Q&A session, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between science and audience participation in The Metabolic Classroom.
Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com
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Weight Loss Drugs
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
02/08/24 • 32 min
Beginning with a discussion on the evolution of these medications, Dr. Bikman emphasizes their significance in combating obesity-related health issues. He proceeds to analyze the mechanisms of popular weight loss drugs, such as Orlistat, Phentermine, and the combination of Phentermine with Topiramate, elucidating how each functions to aid weight loss.
While highlighting the benefits, Dr. Bikman doesn’t shy away from detailing the potential side effects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for the audience. Moreover, he shares an intriguing scientific fact regarding lactate’s role in fat metabolism, adding depth to the discussion. Throughout, Dr. Bikman maintains a balance between scientific evidence and personal insight, fostering an engaging and informative session.
In discussing liraglutide’s mechanism of action, Dr. Bikman reveals its role as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking the actions of the incretin GLP-1. He then previews next week’s class dedicated to incretins and their use in weight loss drugs, including medications like wegovy and ozempic.
Liraglutide primarily promotes weight loss by reducing gastric emptying, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and decreased appetite. Additionally, it inhibits glucagon, lowering blood glucose levels and subsequently increasing metabolic rate and fat burning. Dr. Bikman notes common side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and hints at potential risks of thyroid tumors associated with GLP-1 agonists.
Ben transitions to discussing semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, and its similar effects on weight loss and side effects, including the possibility of ileus. He also touches on metformin’s off-label use for weight loss, its mechanisms involving AMPK activation and ATP inhibition, and its potential interference with exercise-induced mitochondrial benefits.
Learn more at: Insulin IQ
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The Metabolism of Male Infertility
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
04/18/24 • 34 min
Dr. Ben Bikman discusses the intricate relationship between metabolic health and male infertility.
While metabolic health is often associated with conditions like obesity and diabetes, Dr. Bikman emphasizes its relevance to less obvious issues like male infertility. He notes that while the processes of reproduction differ between the sexes, they share a common metabolic core.
Ben highlights that infertility affects approximately 15% of couples trying to conceive, with men contributing to around 30% of cases. He explains the role of hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in male reproductive function, detailing their influence on spermatogenesis and testosterone production.
The classroom lecture delves into how poor metabolic health, particularly insulin resistance, can disrupt testosterone production and lead to issues like erectile dysfunction and reduced sperm quality. Insulin resistance affects testosterone synthesis directly in the testes and indirectly by promoting aromatization, the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, leading to a vicious cycle of reduced testosterone and increased insulin resistance.
Dr. Bikman discusses various strategies to improve metabolic health and potentially alleviate male infertility, including dietary changes, medication such as insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin, and exercise, particularly resistance training. He stresses the importance of addressing underlying metabolic issues to improve reproductive outcomes and suggests that prioritizing metabolic health before attempting reproduction is crucial.
In conclusion, Dr. Bikman underscores the interconnectedness of metabolic health and reproductive function, advocating for a holistic approach to addressing male infertility that focuses on improving insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic well-being.
00:00 - Introduction to metabolic health's relevance in male infertility
01:18 - Infertility statistics and men's contribution to the issue
02:37 - Hormonal role in male reproductive function: FSH and LH
03:53 - FSH and LH stimulation of spermatogenesis and testosterone
05:57 - Testosterone's functions in male fertility and maturation
08:04 - Nitric oxide's role in erectile function and its insulin connection
11:28 - How insulin resistance impacts testosterone production and erectile dysfunction
14:02 - Insulin resistance's effects on testosterone synthesis and aromatization
18:55 - Strategies to improve metabolic health and alleviate male infertility
26:38 - Conclusion: The link between metabolic health and reproductive function
#MaleInfertility #FertilityHealth #Metabolism #ReproductiveHealth #InfertilityAwareness #MenHealth #SpermHealth #HormonalHealth #NutritionForFertility #HealthTalk #MaleHealth #FertilityJourney #HealthyLiving #HolisticHealth
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman have?
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman currently has 82 episodes available.
What topics does The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman cover?
The podcast is about Life Sciences, Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Podcasts, Diabetes, Science, Fasting, Diet, Health and Low Carb.
What is the most popular episode on The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman?
The episode title 'Why A1C Isn't Enough: Insights from Dr. Ben Bikman with Dr. Ken Berry' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman?
The average episode length on The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman is 33 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman released?
Episodes of The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman are typically released every 5 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman?
The first episode of The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman was released on Feb 16, 2021.
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