The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Stop Metabolic Inflammation at the Source: Your Gut

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Dec 15, 2025

Explore how gut health links to systemic inflammation through lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from harmful bacteria. Discover the importance of tight junction proteins and the role of zonulin in gut permeability. Learn about dietary factors like gluten and fructose that can disrupt gut barriers, while omega-3 fats and probiotics can help restore balance. Ben shares practical tips like using apple cider vinegar and fiber to strengthen gut health, reduce LPS absorption, and improve metabolic function.

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INSIGHT

Gut LPS Drives Metabolic Endotoxemia

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gut gram-negative bacteria triggers systemic low-grade inflammation when it enters the bloodstream.
This metabolic endotoxemia disrupts insulin signaling and promotes fatty liver disease.

INSIGHT

Two Routes Through The Gut Barrier

The intestinal barrier has transcellular (through cells) and paracellular (between cells) routes that differ in selectivity.
Tight junctions normally block large molecules like LPS from passing paracellularly unless disrupted.

INSIGHT

Tight Junction Proteins Hold The Line

Tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin and claudins form the 'mortar' that seals epithelial 'bricks'.
Disruption or mislocalization of these proteins widens the paracellular space and enables LPS leakage.

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In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Ben explains how lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—toxic molecules from gram-negative gut bacteria—can escape into the bloodstream through a compromised intestinal lining, triggering chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance.

Dr. Bikman breaks down the roles of tight junction proteins like ZO-1, occludin, and claudins, and explains how the signaling molecule zonulin disrupts these junctions. Zonulin release is often triggered by dysbiosis and dietary components like gluten and fructose.

He also highlights how LPS-induced inflammation impairs insulin signaling and promotes ceramide production, contributing to liver fat accumulation and systemic insulin resistance.

Ben offers practical, evidence-based strategies to maintain gut barrier integrity and reduce LPS absorption—these include:

- apple cider vinegar

- spore-forming probiotics (especially Bacillus subtilis)

- prebiotic fibers (like FOS and XOS)

- and omega-3-rich foods or supplements

Dr. Bikman ends with dietary and lifestyle takeaways to protect gut health and metabolic function.

Show Notes/References:

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NOTE: The information presented is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Bikman is not a clinician—and, he is not your doctor. Always seek the advice of your own qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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