The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman cover image

The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Latest episodes

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Apr 24, 2024 • 42min

Lipedema with Dr. Ben Bikman

Dr. Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist and expert in cell biology, welcomes his audience to a discussion on lipedema, a topic he’s been asked about frequently. He highlights the importance of addressing insulin resistance through diet.Ben begins by providing a primer on adipose tissue, explaining its composition and the role of fat cells and fibroblasts. He delves into the structural changes in collagen within fat tissue, particularly in lipedema, where there's an overproduction of collagen leading to increased rigidity and compression on fat cells and nerves.The lecture explores why lipedema predominantly affects women, linking it to hormonal changes, particularly increases in estrogen levels during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Ben explains how estrogen influences fibroblast activity, leading to excessive collagen production and fibrosis in lipedema.The discussion then delves into the mechanisms of pain in lipedema, attributing it to both mechanical pressure on nerves and biochemical factors such as inflammation. Finally, Ben explores various treatment approaches, including compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and low-carbohydrate diets, which have shown promise in reducing pain and improving quality of life in women with lipedema.Throughout the lecture, Dr. Bikman emphasizes a paradigm shift in understanding lipedema as a disorder of connective tissue rather than fat cells alone, offering insights into its pathophysiology and potential therapeutic interventions. He concludes by highlighting recent research supporting the efficacy of low-carbohydrate diets in managing lipedema.HLTH Code Complete Meal:Click here to get an extra 10% off your first order! Use the code above!01:59 - Adipocyte Structure04:43 - Collagen Alterations in Lipedema06:57 - Estrogen’s Role in Lipedema10:10 - Mechanical Factors Contributing to Pain11:07 - Biochemical Factors Contributing to Pain14:11 - Therapeutic Interventions for Lipedema23:27 - Impact of Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Pain Reduction30:14 - Insights into Fat Cell Function and Hormonal Influence37:31 - SummaryEffect of a low-carbohydrate diet on pain and quality of life in female patients with lipedema: a randomized controlled trialThe Benefits of Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat (LCHF) Diet on Body Composition, Leg Volume, and Pain in Women with LipedemaDr. Bikman’s website#Lipedema #Lipadema #LipedemaAwareness #Lipoedema #LipedemaSupport #LipedemaTreatment #LipedemaSurgery #LipedemaTherapy #LipedemaDiet #LipedemaLegs #InsulinResistance #InsulinResistanceAwareness #InsulinResistanceDiet #InsulinSensitivity #MetabolicSyndrome #Type2Diabetes #BloodSugarControl #InsulinResistanceSupport #HealthyLiving #diabetesprevention Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 18, 2024 • 35min

The Metabolism of Male Infertility

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 infertility01:18 - Infertility statistics and men's contribution to the issue02:37 - Hormonal role in male reproductive function: FSH and LH03:53 - FSH and LH stimulation of spermatogenesis and testosterone05:57 - Testosterone's functions in male fertility and maturation08:04 - Nitric oxide's role in erectile function and its insulin connection11:28 - How insulin resistance impacts testosterone production and erectile dysfunction14:02 - Insulin resistance's effects on testosterone synthesis and aromatization18:55 - Strategies to improve metabolic health and alleviate male infertility26:38 - Conclusion: The link between metabolic health and reproductive function#MaleInfertility #FertilityHealth #Metabolism #ReproductiveHealth #InfertilityAwareness #MenHealth #SpermHealth #HormonalHealth #NutritionForFertility #HealthTalk #MaleHealth #FertilityJourney #HealthyLiving #HolisticHealthhttps://www.insuliniq.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 11, 2024 • 37min

The Metabolism of Female Infertility

Dr. Ben Bikman discusses the metabolic aspects of female infertility, highlighting the role of insulin resistance in disrupting reproductive physiology. He explains how insulin resistance affects oocyte development, ovulation, and implantation, leading to infertility issues. The lecture also explores the impact of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on female fertility, emphasizing the importance of metabolic health in addressing infertility concerns.
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Apr 1, 2024 • 36min

Fatty Liver Disease with Dr. Ben Bikman

In this Metabolic Classroom episode, Dr. Bikman delves into the intricate dynamics of fatty liver disease, a prevalent metabolic problem affecting millions worldwide. Describing the liver as the “soccer mom” of metabolism due to its involvement in various metabolic processes, Ben emphasizes the liver’s central role in nutrient metabolism, particularly in handling fats.Fatty liver disease, once primarily associated with alcohol consumption, has now become a widespread issue driven by metabolic factors. It progresses from simple fat accumulation to inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), fibrosis, and potentially cirrhosis.Insulin resistance, a key player in metabolic disorders, is dissected into two components: impaired insulin action and chronically elevated insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia). Dr. Bikman highlights the crucial role of insulin in driving fat accumulation in the liver, explaining that elevated insulin is necessary for the liver to store fat and prevent its breakdown, even in the presence of excess free fatty acids. He elucidates how insulin resistance in fat cells leads to increased release of fatty acids, exacerbating fat accumulation in the liver.Dr. Bikman discusses two primary pathways contributing to fatty liver disease: uptake of free fatty acids from adipose tissue and de novo lipogenesis, the process of synthesizing new fat within the liver.While elevated insulin primarily drives fat storage, Ben also addresses the independent roles of fructose and alcohol in promoting liver fat accumulation. Fructose metabolism in the liver and alcohol-induced disruptions in fat metabolism contribute significantly to fatty liver disease, even without the direct influence of insulin.Finally, Dr. Bikman explores strategies for preventing or reversing fatty liver disease, emphasizing the importance of controlling carbohydrate intake to lower insulin levels and restrict fructose consumption. He contrasts pharmaceutical interventions with lifestyle modifications, advocating for dietary changes as a more effective and sustainable approach.Throughout the Metabolic Classroom lecture, Ben empowers his audience with a deeper understanding of the metabolic underpinnings of fatty liver disease, encouraging them to share this knowledge and take proactive steps toward metabolic health.#insulinresistance #metabolicsyndrome #metabolichealth #type2diabetes #type1diabetes #weightloss #intermittentfasting #intermittantfasting #fasting #lowcarb Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 28, 2024 • 34min

Strategies for Fat Burning with Dr. Ben Bikman

Dr. Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist specializing in metabolism, discusses strategies for fat loss in a lecture. He covers hormones, drugs, and sex-specific effects, dividing strategies into drugs, surgical interventions, and lifestyle changes. Topics include GLP-1 agonists, bariatric surgeries, liposuction, and the importance of lifestyle modifications for effective fat loss.
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Mar 21, 2024 • 32min

The Skinny on Fat: Sex and Fat Metabolism

Dr. Ben Bikman, an expert in fat metabolism and endocrine organs, discusses the role of fat tissue as an endocrine organ, focusing on hormone production and regulation. He explores sex-specific differences in fat distribution, the impact of menopause on fat tissue and hormonal changes, leptin's role in appetite regulation, and the effects of other hormones on metabolism and fat cell size. The podcast delves into the production of T3 in brown adipose tissue and its metabolic effects.
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Mar 13, 2024 • 32min

Aging, and the Life of Fat with Dr. Ben Bikman

In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Professor Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist specializing in diabetes, metabolism, and fat tissue, delves deeper into the topic of fat tissue, focusing specifically on its storage locations and the factors influencing them.Dr. Bikman emphasizes the complexity and nuance of fat tissue beyond its commonly recognized role in energy storage, insulation, and cushioning, highlighting its function as an endocrine organ that produces various hormones and signals.Ben begins by discussing the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which plays a crucial role in fat storage by pulling fats off circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the bloodstream. He explains how the expression and activity of LPL are influenced by factors such as insulin, exercise, and sex hormones, particularly testosterone and estrogen.The lecture explores how sex differences play a significant role in fat storage patterns, with males tending to store fat centrally around the abdomen due to increased LPL expression induced by testosterone, while females typically store more fat in subcutaneous depots such as the breasts, buttocks, and hips, influenced by estrogen. Ben also discusses the impact of menopause on fat storage, noting shifts towards central fat deposition in women as estrogen levels decline.Additionally, Dr. Bikman touches on the effects of aging on fat storage, explaining how fat cell number tends to plateau in adulthood and decrease in older age, leading to hypertrophy (enlargement) of existing fat cells and potentially ectopic fat deposition in organs like the liver and pancreas.The lecture concludes with Ben addressing the difference between hyperplasia (increased fat cell number) and hypertrophy (increased fat cell size) in subcutaneous and visceral fat depots, emphasizing the metabolic implications of storing fat in different locations. He also briefly mentions the influence of non-caloric signals, such as chemicals leached from plastics, on fat cell growth.Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted nature of fat tissue storage, highlighting the interplay of hormonal, physiological, and environmental factors in shaping fat distribution and its metabolic consequences.Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 7, 2024 • 33min

Why and Where We Store Fat

Dr. Bikman discusses the evolution and storage of fat tissue, debunking myths and emphasizing its importance in survival and brain growth. He explores different types of fat, such as subcutaneous and visceral, and their impact on metabolic health. The lecture also covers genetic and environmental factors influencing fat storage, including insulin, diet, and environmental chemicals.
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Feb 29, 2024 • 44min

Drugs for Cardiovascular Health with Dr. Ben Bikman

In this week's episode of the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman welcomes viewers to a discussion on commonly used cardiometabolic and weight loss drugs. The focus of this particular lecture is on drugs targeting heart disease, a leading cause of mortality globally. Dr. Bikman acknowledges the controversy surrounding cardiovascular drugs due to the severity of heart disease and the passionate advocacy for drug therapies.The lecture begins with an overview of two main categories of cardiovascular drugs: those addressing blood pressure and those targeting cholesterol levels. Dr. Bikman explains the significance of blood pressure in cardiovascular health, emphasizing its correlation with heart attacks and hypertension. He delves into the physiological effects of high blood pressure, likening it to over-inflating a balloon and causing stress and damage to the inner lining of blood vessels.Moving on to drugs that control blood pressure, Dr. Bikman highlights the potential impact on insulin resistance and mitochondrial function, crucial factors in heart disease risk. He discusses common classes of antihypertensive drugs such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, detailing their mechanisms and side effects.Transitioning to cholesterol-lowering drugs, Dr. Bikman discusses the controversy surrounding the assumption that cholesterol is solely responsible for heart disease. He challenges the oversimplified view of LDL cholesterol's role in plaque formation and suggests alternative paradigms, including the immune response to infections in blood vessels.Dr. Bikman then discusses two classes of anti-cholesterol medications: PCSK9 inhibitors and statins. He explains how PCSK9 inhibitors increase LDL receptor expression to enhance LDL clearance and discusses potential side effects such as worsened insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, he explores the mechanism of statins in reducing cholesterol production and addresses controversies surrounding their use, including potential risks of developing type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.#insulinresistance #metabolicsyndrome #metabolichealth #type2diabetes #type1diabetes #weightloss #intermittentfasting #intermittantfasting #fasting #lowcarb Learn more at: Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 22, 2024 • 38min

Why Anti-Diabetic Drugs Usually Make Things Worse

In today's lecture, Dr. Bikman guides his audience through a comprehensive exploration of anti-diabetic drugs, shedding light on their mechanisms, implications, and the broader context of diabetes management. Kicking off the discussion, Dr. Bikman elucidated the prevalent glucose-centric paradigm in understanding diabetes, emphasizing its limitations, particularly in discerning the nuanced differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. He underscored the pivotal role of insulin deficiency in type 1 and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the intricacies of anti-diabetic medications.The lecture commenced with an in-depth analysis of metformin, a cornerstone in diabetes treatment known for its efficacy in improving insulin sensitivity. Despite its widespread use, Dr. Bikman elucidated the persistent ambiguity surrounding metformin's cellular mechanisms, particularly concerning its impact on mitochondrial function. While acknowledging its beneficial effects, such as reducing hepatic glucose production, Dr. Bikman also highlighted the drug's gastrointestinal side effects and its potential to blunt mitochondrial adaptations to exercise.Transitioning to insulin therapy, Dr. Bikman delineated its indispensable role in type 1 diabetes management but cautioned against its potential risks in type 2 diabetes, including weight gain and heightened cardiovascular, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease risks. He delved into the nuances of insulin secretagogues and thiazolidinediones, discussing their mechanisms and associated complications, such as increased cardiovascular risk and adverse effects on adipogenesis.Further, Dr. Bikman explored GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, elucidating their mechanisms of action and potential side effects, including an elevated risk of urinary tract infections with SGLT2 inhibitors and heightened ketogenesis. Before concluding, he briefly touched on amylin analogs, adding another dimension to the multifaceted landscape of anti-diabetic medications.Dr. Bikman's lecture provided a comprehensive understanding of anti-diabetic drugs, transcending the traditional glucose-centric perspective and highlighting the complexities inherent in diabetes management. By navigating through the intricate mechanisms and implications of these medications, he empowered his audience with invaluable insights to navigate the complexities of diabetes treatment effectively.#insulinresistance #metabolicsyndrome #metabolichealth #type2diabetes #type1diabetes #weightloss #intermittentfasting #intermittantfasting #fasting Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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