The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

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.

This lecture dives into the fascinating world of metabolic surgeries, exploring their role as a vital option for severe obesity and related health issues. Dr. Bikman breaks down the major types of procedures, such as Roux-en-Y and sleeve gastrectomy, detailing how they work to promote weight loss. He highlights how these surgeries not only restrict food intake but also trigger hormonal changes that enhance metabolic health. While the benefits can be life-changing, the discussion candidly addresses risks, including potential nutrient deficiencies and the challenging reality of weight regain.

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.

Discover the surprising connections between salt-regulating hormones and metabolic health. Dr. Bikman examines how hormones like angiotensin II and aldosterone influence insulin sensitivity and fat cell dynamics. He reveals that salt restriction, often recommended for hypertension, can ironically worsen insulin resistance. This fascinating discussion challenges conventional wisdom around diet and highlights the delicate balance of hormones in managing metabolic issues.

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.

Delve into the intriguing relationship between ketogenic diets and thyroid function. Discover how lower T3 levels can still indicate a healthy thyroid thanks to the body's adaptability. Explore the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and learn about thyroid hormone resistance linked to metabolic disorders. Hear insights from studies showing that while T3 drops on a keto diet, normal TSH levels suggest a well-functioning system. Understand how reduced glucose demand alters thyroid hormone requirements, leading to potential metabolic benefits.

In this week’s episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman delivers a comprehensive lecture on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), focusing on its role in addressing metabolic health challenges faced by women during menopause.The loss of estradiol causes fat to redistribute from healthier storage areas, like the hips and thighs, to the abdominal region, where larger fat cells become more insulin-resistant and pro-inflammatory. This shift contributes to systemic inflammation and elevates the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Ben explains how HRT, particularly with estradiol, can mitigate these effects by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthier fat storage patterns.He also addresses historical concerns about HRT, including risks of blood clots and cancer. Dr. Bikman explains that oral estrogens may slightly increase clotting risks due to their first-pass metabolism in the liver, but transdermal delivery methods like patches and gels do not carry this same risk. Regarding cancer, he highlights how older studies, such as the Women’s Health Initiative, overstated the connection between HRT and breast cancer, particularly when using estrogen-only therapies. Ben emphasizes the importance of evaluating the absolute risks, which are relatively small.Beyond its metabolic benefits, HRT also shows promise in protecting against conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Ben discusses studies suggesting that HRT, when started early in menopause, may improve cognitive outcomes, preserve brain volume, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, particularly in women with the APOE4 gene. These findings suggest that timely HRT may support brain health alongside its other benefits.In conclusion, Ben underscores the substantial metabolic and overall health changes women face during menopause and the potential for HRT to improve quality of life, metabolic health, and long-term outcomes. He stresses the importance of individualized HRT plans tailored to each woman’s unique circumstances, allowing for a nuanced approach to mitigating menopause-related challenges.visit 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)Show Notes/References:Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@benbikman.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to, which in this case is “Episode 80 - Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the surprising metabolic effects of nicotine beyond addiction. Learn how it affects insulin resistance and fat cell dynamics by initially encouraging fat breakdown, then leading to storage issues. Discover the role of ceramides in disrupting insulin signaling and how nicotine activates stress hormones, impacting metabolic health. Delve into the paradox of nicotine stimulating fat burning while hindering insulin sensitivity, raising alarm about its use, especially among young vapers.