The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Dr. Ben Bikman dives into the complex relationship between glucosamine and metabolic health. While commonly known for joint pain relief, the effectiveness of glucosamine is debated. The podcast reveals its potential to interfere with insulin signaling and elevate blood glucose, particularly in those with insulin resistance. Interesting studies show varying effects on metabolic health, suggesting that glucosamine might pose risks for some individuals. Overall, the importance of monitoring and understanding individual metabolic health shines through.

Dr. Ben Bikman dives into hyperglycemia, revealing its dangerous effects on metabolism and health. He discusses how even brief spikes in blood sugar can trigger insulin resistance, forming a harmful cycle. The podcast explores the oxidative stress caused by high glucose levels, linked to diseases like heart problems and kidney issues. It also highlights the formation of harmful compounds known as AGEs, emphasizing the need for effective glucose management to protect overall health. Tune in for critical insights into blood sugar and its widespread impact!

This week, during the Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman examines the metabolic consequences of medications used for mental health, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Ben highlights the close connection between mental health disorders like depression and anxiety with metabolic issues, particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. These medications, while effective for managing mental health symptoms, often lead to metabolic side effects such as weight gain and insulin resistance, complicating the relationship between mental and metabolic health.Dr. Bikman reviews key neurotransmitters—serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—that influence both mental and metabolic functions. Serotonin helps regulate mood and appetite but can promote fat accumulation and inhibit fat breakdown. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward systems but also plays a role in regulating energy expenditure and fat metabolism. Norepinephrine, closely related to adrenaline, is involved in the body’s stress response and can stimulate fat breakdown and thermogenesis.The lecture then shifts to the metabolic effects of common mental health medications, such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. While these drugs can stabilize mood, they are often linked to significant metabolic disturbances, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and cravings for carbohydrate-heavy foods. Ben notes that these medications may exacerbate underlying metabolic issues, potentially worsening the mental health conditions they are meant to treat.Dr. Bikman concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing metabolic health when treating mental health disorders. He highlights the role of brain glucose hypometabolism, where insulin resistance in the brain may contribute to anxiety and depression. He suggests that improving metabolic health through approaches like ketogenic diets could potentially enhance mental health outcomes by better nourishing the brain and restoring neurotransmitter balance.https://www.insuliniq.com 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)References:Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to.#MentalHealth #MetabolicHealth #Antidepressants #AnxietyMedications #WeightGain #InsulinResistance #DrBenBikman #MentalHealthMedications #DepressionTreatment #MetabolismMatters #HealthAndWellness #Neurotransmitters #Type2Diabetes #BrainHealth #SSRIs #Antipsychotics #FatMetabolism #MentalWellness #HealthyLiving #NutritionAndMentalHealth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman explores liposuction, highlighting its popularity and effects on body fat. While body fat serves important functions like energy storage and hormone regulation, liposuction only removes subcutaneous fat, leaving visceral fat untouched. Dr. Bikman emphasizes that fat cell size, not total fat, is key to metabolic health, and larger fat cells can lead to insulin resistance.Liposuction, though effective for quick fat removal, does not improve metabolic health or insulin sensitivity. Without lifestyle changes, patients often regain fat in different areas. He suggests that liposuction should be seen as a body contouring tool, not a health solution, but it may offer benefits for those with lipedema, improving pain and quality of life.https://www.insuliniq.comBen’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)Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the surprising truth about lactate metabolism! It’s clarified that lactic acid isn’t found in our bodies; only lactate exists, produced during high-energy activities. Far from being a waste product, lactate is vital for energy production and even fuels vital functions in cells. Key historical figures, like Otto Meyerhoff, shaped our understanding of lactate’s role in metabolism. Plus, learn how lactate can indicate metabolic health, especially in the context of diabetes. This fresh perspective transforms how we view energy in the body!

Dive into the fascinating world of rapamycin and its controversial relationship with longevity. Discover how the mTOR protein complex influences aging and the conflicting evidence between animal studies and human health. Learn about the potential downsides of rapamycin, including its immunosuppressive effects and impact on muscle maintenance. Explore the critical balance between dietary protein intake and lifespan, while uncovering the vital interplay between insulin levels and longevity.

Dr. Ben Bikman, a prominent researcher in gut health and inflammation, delves into the complexities of leaky gut syndrome. He explains how weakened gut barriers can let harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides enter the bloodstream, triggering chronic inflammation linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. Bikman highlights dietary factors, stressing the detrimental effects of fructose, refined oils, and gluten. He also re-evaluates the role of LDL cholesterol, presenting it as a vital player in immune health, and discusses how maintaining gut integrity is crucial for overall wellness.

Dr. Ben Bikman, a renowned researcher focused on insulin and obesity, delves into the fuel partitioning theory, revealing how hormonal influences dictate whether our bodies store or burn energy. He challenges the simplistic caloric view of obesity, highlighting the role of insulin in overeating and chronic diseases. By exploring various animal models, Dr. Bikman illustrates the complex interplay between hormones and fat storage. He advocates for a strategy that prioritizes insulin management for effective weight loss, changing the conversation around obesity.

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.https://www.insuliniq.com 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 #InsulinIQMy 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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast dives into the fascinating role of estrogens in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Estrogens enhance insulin signaling and promote glucose uptake, while also suppressing liver glucose production. The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of progesterone, which can increase insulin resistance. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, women may experience heightened insulin resistance and central fat accumulation. The episode underscores the complexity of hormonal interactions and their significant impact on metabolic health.