Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules, crucial for metabolism and fat loss. Dr. Bikman discusses how certain peptides like CJC-1295 and Tesamorelin stimulate growth hormone, aiding in fat breakdown while preserving muscle mass. Melanotan-2 is highlighted for its appetite-suppressing effects. Collagen peptides impress by improving insulin sensitivity and gut health. The therapeutic potential of peptides in anti-aging, muscle recovery, and overall health is thoroughly explored, showcasing their rising popularity in wellness.

Explore the surprising link between acne and insulin resistance. Dr. Bikman explains how metabolic factors, particularly insulin's role in increasing oil production, contribute to acne development. He challenges traditional beliefs by highlighting the impact of diet, especially high-carb consumption, on skin health. Learn about innovative treatments like metformin and how low-carbohydrate diets can help improve acne conditions. Discover practical dietary strategies to combat acne effectively.

Delve into the metabolic effects of ADHD medications and their dual role in enhancing focus and altering appetite. Stimulants like Adderall can boost dopamine but may lead to binge eating once they wear off. Non-stimulant options behave differently, with some medications improving insulin sensitivity while others risk weight gain. Explore ADHD's potential metabolic roots and how modern diets may exacerbate symptoms. Discover the promise of ketones as an alternative brain fuel, offering a new pathway to stabilize brain function.

Explore the fascinating role of GLP-1, a hormone vital for appetite regulation and blood sugar stability. Discover how GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are making waves for weight loss with impressive results. However, there's a catch—these drugs can lead to muscle loss and may have side effects such as depression. Learn about the diminishing effectiveness over time and the importance of pairing medication with healthy eating and resistance training to achieve sustainable results.

Learn more about becoming an Insider: https://www.benbikman.comThis week, Dr. Bikman’s lecture focuses on metabolic surgeries (also called bariatric surgeries), their mechanisms, and their impacts on weight loss and metabolic health.Ben begins by explaining the qualifications for these surgeries, which often serve as a last resort for individuals with severe obesity or comorbidities like type 2 diabetes. Common qualifications include a BMI of 40 or higher, or lower BMIs with conditions like hypertension or diabetes. These surgeries aim to address obesity and related health complications when traditional methods, like diet and exercise, fail.Dr. Bikman describes four primary types of metabolic surgeries: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and adjustable gastric banding. He explains their procedures, including how they alter digestion, absorption, and stomach size, leading to weight loss through restriction and malabsorption. These surgeries also bring significant hormonal changes, such as increases in GLP-1 and reductions in ghrelin (hunger hormone), contributing to satiety and metabolic improvements.While these surgeries can dramatically improve insulin sensitivity, reduce glucagon levels, and improve conditions like type 2 diabetes, they come with risks. Nutrient deficiencies, surgical complications, dumping syndrome, and weight regain are significant concerns. Younger patients are particularly prone to weight regain, especially if they don’t adopt sustainable eating habits. Dr. Bikman emphasizes the need for education on managing macronutrients and maintaining long-term behavioral changes.Ben concludes that metabolic surgeries can be a valuable tool for those with severe obesity and related complications. However, he warns of their limitations and advocates for coupling them with lifestyle changes to optimize long-term success.Show Notes/References:For complete show notes and references referred to in this episode, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman Insider subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben, ad-free Metabolic Classroom Podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the intriguing world of autophagy, the body's built-in recycling system that keeps cells healthy by breaking down damaged parts. Learn how it prevents serious diseases and boosts energy during nutrient shortages. Delve into how a robust autophagy process ties into longevity and metabolic health, especially its link to obesity and insulin resistance. Explore the benefits of ketogenic diets in enhancing autophagy and the delicate balance needed to regulate this process for optimal health.

Discover how sleep is intricately linked to metabolic health, influencing insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation. Poor sleep can elevate cortisol, which contributes to insulin resistance and weight gain. Learn about the role of melatonin in maintaining metabolic functions and how disrupted sleep patterns can increase health risks like type 2 diabetes. Explore practical tips for improving sleep, such as avoiding late-night carbs and reducing blue light exposure. Delve into the potential benefits of melatonin supplementation and the impact of ketones on sleep quality.

We sincerely apologize! During the livestream recording, we experienced some technical difficulties between 07:15 to 08:50. Thanks for your patience and understanding.Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.comDuring The Metabolic Classroom lecture this week, Dr. Bikman dives into the intricate relationship between salt- and water-regulating hormones and metabolic health.Starting with a discussion of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), he explains how hormones like angiotensin II, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are not only critical for regulating blood pressure but also significantly impact insulin sensitivity and fat cell dynamics. Angiotensin II promotes insulin resistance by increasing ceramide production, which blocks insulin signaling, while also enlarging fat cells and inhibiting their breakdown. Similarly, aldosterone exacerbates insulin resistance by enhancing ceramide levels and promotes both the growth and multiplication of fat cells. ADH complements these effects, particularly by inhibiting fat breakdown through its action on specific receptors.Ben emphasizes the counterintuitive finding that salt restriction, often prescribed to manage hypertension, can worsen insulin resistance, particularly in individuals with metabolic vulnerabilities. Studies highlight that reducing salt intake leads to increased fasting insulin levels, impaired glucose metabolism, and unfavorable lipid changes, such as reduced HDL cholesterol. Additionally, he warns that dehydration, much like salt restriction, activates these same hormonal pathways, compounding their metabolic effects.Dr. Bikman concludes with a reminder that interventions aimed at improving blood pressure should consider their broader metabolic implications, particularly for individuals predisposed to insulin resistance.Show Notes/References:For complete show notes and references referred to in this episode, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman Insider subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben, ad-free Metabolic Classroom Podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.comTimestamps: (approximate)(01:13) Overview of Salt- and Water-Regulating Hormones(02:22) How Angiotensin II Influences Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance(06:37) The Metabolic Effects of Angiotensin II on Fat Cells(11:22) Aldosterone’s Role in Insulin Resistance and Fat Cell Growth(15:57) Metabolic Impacts of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)(29:02) The Counterintuitive Effects of Salt Restriction on Metabolic Health(33:13) The Role of Dehydration in Activating Metabolic Hormones(34:51) Conclusion: How Blood Pressure Hormones Influence Metabolic Health#MetabolicHealth #InsulinResistance #Hypertension #SaltAndHealth #BloodPressure #HormonesAndHealth #DrBenBikman #MetabolicSyndrome #LowCarbLife #Type2Diabetes #KetoLife #HealthyLifestyle #NutritionScience #MetabolismMatters #HealthEducation #FatCellBiology #InsulinSensitivity #SaltIntake #Dehydration #HealthTips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.comThis week in The Metabolic Classroom lecture, Ben focuses on the relationship between hypertension medications and metabolic health, providing a critical examination of their mechanisms and metabolic implications.He begins by highlighting the role of insulin resistance as a common root cause of both hypertension and metabolic disorders. Ben explains that while hypertension medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers are often prescribed, they each have unique effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which can either mitigate or exacerbate metabolic dysfunction. Notably, some classes of these medications, like ARBs, may improve insulin sensitivity, while others, like beta blockers and diuretics, can impair it, leading to heightened risks for type 2 diabetes.Ben underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of hypertension—namely, insulin resistance—through lifestyle interventions like low-carbohydrate diets and fasting, which improve both blood pressure and metabolic health. He emphasizes the need for personalized treatment plans that consider the metabolic side effects of medications, advocating for strategies that tackle insulin resistance as a primary approach to improving overall health.Show Notes/References:For complete show notes and references referred to in this episode, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman “Insider” subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben, ad-free Metabolic Classroom Podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.comBen’s favorite yerba maté and fiber supplement: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/InsulinIQBen’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)Other products Ben likes: https://www.amazon.com/shop/benbikmanphd#MetabolicHealth #Hypertension #BloodPressure #DrBenBikman #InsulinResistance #MetabolicScience #FatCellBiology #Diuretics #BetaBlockers #ACEInhibitors #CalciumChannelBlockers #BloodPressureMedications #HealthTips #DASHDiet #InsulinSensitivity #FatCells #KetogenicDiet #LowCarbLiving #HealthyLifestyle #HeartHealth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in The Metabolic Classroom, Ben explores the effects of a ketogenic diet on thyroid function, addressing concerns that lower thyroid hormone levels observed during the diet may indicate dysfunction.Dr. Bikman begins by explaining the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, a regulatory system that controls thyroid hormone production. The thyroid gland produces two primary hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), with T3 being the active form that influences metabolic processes. He emphasizes the concept of negative feedback within the HPT axis, explaining that normal TSH levels generally indicate a well-functioning thyroid, even if T3 levels are lower.Ben also reviews a commonly cited study that observed decreased T3 levels in individuals following a ketogenic diet. Despite the drop in T3, TSH levels remained normal, suggesting that the thyroid gland was not damaged but rather adapting to reduced metabolic demand. He introduces two key explanations: improved thyroid hormone sensitivity and reduced glucose metabolism. Improved sensitivity means that lower levels of T3 are sufficient to maintain metabolic functions, while reduced glucose consumption on a ketogenic diet lessens the body’s need for thyroid hormone to regulate glucose uptake.The classroom lecture then delves into the concept of thyroid hormone resistance, a condition linked to metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Bikman references studies showing that thyroid resistance is real and measurable, often associated with elevated TSH and thyroid hormones in individuals with metabolic syndrome. He speculates that a ketogenic diet may enhance thyroid sensitivity in these individuals, reducing the need for higher T3 levels.In conclusion, Dr. Bikman reassures those on a ketogenic diet that lower T3 levels do not necessarily indicate harm. If TSH levels are normal and no symptoms of hypothyroidism are present, the changes may reflect a healthy adaptation to the metabolic state induced by the diet.Show Notes/References:For complete show notes and references referred to in this episode, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman “Insider” subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben, ad-free Metabolic Classroom Podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast sent to your inbox weekly, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. You can learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.comBen’s favorite yerba maté and fiber supplement: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/InsulinIQBen’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 exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: Ben10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.