
The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
Welcome to The Metabolic Classroom, a nutrition and lifestyle podcast focused on metabolism, which is how our bodies use energy, and the truth behind why we get sick and fat. Every week, Dr. Ben Bikman shares valuable insights that you can apply in your own life and share with friends and loved ones. The Metabolic Classroom is brought to you by BenBikman.com and InsulinIQ.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

May 15, 2024 • 36min
Uric Acid with Dr. Ben Bikman
Dive into the fascinating world of uric acid! Discover how this byproduct of purine metabolism relates to conditions like gout and kidney stones. Learn about its connection to insulin resistance and inflammation. Uncover the impact of fructose on uric acid production and the role of the liver in this process. Explore innovative nutritional interventions like allulose and the effects of a ketogenic diet on uric acid levels. This discussion unpacks the complexities of metabolism while offering insights for better health!

May 7, 2024 • 29min
Saturated Fat with Dr. Ben Bikman
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Professor Ben Bikman, an expert in metabolic research, discusses the debate surrounding saturated fat and its impact on insulin resistance.Dr. Bikman addresses misconceptions about saturated fat perpetuated by proponents of plant-based diets, who often blame meat-based saturated fats for insulin resistance. He refers to his own 2011 research, highlighting the role of toll-like receptor four (TLR4) activation in inducing inflammation and insulin resistance, particularly stimulated by saturated fats.Acknowledging limitations in his earlier work, Dr. Bikman transitions to discussing fat digestion and absorption, setting the stage for studies on the impact of dietary saturated fat on metabolic outcomes. He cites a study by Volk et al. (2014) contradicting the direct link between dietary saturated fat intake and plasma saturated fat levels. Further, he discusses research challenging the low-fat emphasis of diets like DASH, including a study by Chiu et al. (2016) showing comparable blood pressure reduction with a high-fat version.The lecture also covers a meta-analysis by Choi et al. (2020) supporting the benefits of ketogenic diets high in saturated fat for glycemic control and insulin resistance.Dr. Bikman emphasizes the importance of considering context, suggesting that saturated fat consumption without excessive carbohydrate intake may not necessarily lead to insulin resistance. However, he acknowledges studies indicating potential concerns with high saturated fat intake in hypercaloric, high-carb diets, advocating for balanced macronutrient consumption.00:01 - Introduction of the topic of saturated fat and insulin resistance, highlighting common misconceptions and his expertise in the field.02:33 - Role of TLR4: Research on toll-like receptor four (TLR4) activation and its connection to inflammation and ceramide synthesis, leading to insulin resistance.07:05 - Fat Digestion Primer: Explanation of fat digestion in the small intestine, emphasizing the formation of chylomicrons for fat transport into the bloodstream.11:55 - Study by Volk et al. (2014): Key study that challenges the idea of dietary saturated fat directly increasing plasma saturated fat levels, despite high consumption.16:41 - High-Fat DASH Diet Study: Research comparing a high-fat version of the DASH diet to the standard low-fat version, highlighting similar blood pressure reduction but improved lipid profiles with the high-fat diet.19:46 - Meta-analysis by Choi et al. (2020): Demonstrating the benefits of ketogenic diets, typically high in saturated fat, in improving glycemic control and insulin resistance.21:40 - Historical Trends: The paradox of decreasing saturated fat consumption over time while insulin resistance rates have increased, suggesting a more complex relationship.25:58 - Overfeeding Studies: Studies showing that overconsumption of carbohydrates, particularly refined sugars and starches, can increase liver fat and saturated fat production, contributing to insulin resistance.27:09 - Study by Luukkonen et al. (2018): Study indicating that in a hypercaloric, high-carb diet, high saturated fat intake may worsen insulin resistance compared to high unsaturated fat intake.28:06 - Conclusion: The need for nuanced understanding, context, and critical appraisal of research findings regarding the relationship between saturated fat, carbohydrate intake, and insulin resistance.https://www.insuliniq.com#InsulinResistance #SaturatedFat #MetabolicHealth #NutritionScience #HealthEducation #DietaryMyths #CellBiology #ResearchInsights #FatDigestion #KetogenicDiet #CardiometabolicHealth #DASHDiet #Inflammation #MedicalResearch #HealthDebunked Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 2, 2024 • 31min
Salt and Cardiometabolic Health with Dr. Ben Bikman
Explore the intriguing relationship between salt and cardiometabolic health. Dr. Bikman dives into how sodium crucially influences metabolism, insulin dynamics, and fat cell regulation. He discusses the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and warns against the dangers of excessive salt restriction. Through compelling insights, he argues that adequate salt intake could actually benefit metabolic health, challenging common dietary beliefs. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about salt and its impact on your health!

Apr 24, 2024 • 42min
Lipedema with Dr. Ben Bikman
Dive into the complexities of lipedema, a misunderstood condition primarily affecting women due to hormonal changes. Learn how insulin resistance and dietary choices play a crucial role in management. Explore the unique properties of adipose tissue and the impact of collagen on pain and circulation. Discover innovative treatment options like low-carb diets and lymphatic drainage that can significantly improve quality of life. Dr. Bikman challenges traditional views, shedding light on the connective tissue aspect of this condition.

Apr 18, 2024 • 35min
The Metabolism of Male Infertility
Delve into the surprising link between metabolic health and male infertility, where poor metabolic conditions can impact testosterone production and fertility. Discover how insulin resistance creates a negative cycle affecting sperm quality and erectile function. Hormones like FSH and LH are key players, intricately tied to male reproductive health. Learn about effective strategies such as dietary adjustments, exercise, and medications that can help improve metabolic health and potentially boost fertility. Unpack the crucial connection and tackle infertility from a metabolic perspective.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mar 13, 2024 • 32min
Aging, and the Life of Fat with Dr. Ben Bikman
Delve into the fascinating world of fat tissue as a complex endocrine organ, not just a simple energy reserve. Discover how the enzyme lipoprotein lipase is influenced by insulin, exercise, and hormones, impacting where fat is stored in our bodies. Learn about gender-specific patterns, with men storing fat around the abdomen and women in subcutaneous areas. Aging brings its own changes in fat distribution, especially post-menopause. This enlightening conversation reveals how our understanding of fat can transform our approach to health.