
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 18, 2021 • 29min
Decoding the Dawn Phenomenon
A spike in glucose levels each morning can be startling, but it doesn’t need to be scary. To understand the dawn phenomenon, you need to understand hormones.Here are the resources that Ben references during the episode:Study #1 - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm198811103191901Study #2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6389230/Study #3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2859524/Study #4 - https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/45/8/1044Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 14, 2021 • 46min
The Metabolic Side of Stress
Stress is an essential part of being human—we need a stress response. However, when stress is turned on indefinitely, metabolic health suffers.Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 2021 • 46min
Estrogen and Fat Storage
The podcast delves into how estrogen influences fat storage in women's bodies, debunking myths about weight gain. It explores the connections between weight, insulin levels, estrogen production, and overall health outcomes in women. Additionally, it discusses the benefits of reducing carbohydrates and insulin for effective weight management, as well as embracing aging gracefully and celebrating the body's natural aging process.

May 7, 2021 • 30min
Leptin 101
We all know about leptin’s effects on hunger, but it’s involved in so much more. Let’s learn about this metabolic heavyweight.Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 4, 2021 • 25min
Fiber: Friend or Foe?
Dietary fiber enjoys a lofty position in the hallowed halls of dietary advice, but the truth is more complicated. Whether fiber is helpful or harmful depends on other factors.Here are the resources that Ben references during the episode:Study #1 - https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/59/6/1386/4715907Study #2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6259919/Study #3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435786/Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2021 • 52min
Insulin Resistance and Cognition
Explore the impact of insulin resistance on brain energy and cognition, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease research. Discover the link between insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and cognition in Alzheimer's. Learn about reversing insulin resistance with ceramides and a low-carb diet. Understand the role of APO-E4 genotype and insulin resistance in Alzheimer's risk. Delve into the diverse audience of the podcast and making complex topics accessible for all listeners.

Apr 27, 2021 • 37min
Does Red Meat Cause Cancer?
The podcast dives into the heated debate over red meat and its alleged link to cancer. It highlights the crucial difference between correlation and causation, challenging commonly held beliefs. Listeners learn about the complex role of dietary fats and various cooking methods that can enhance health without sacrificing flavor. The conversation touches on the merits of grass-fed versus grain-fed meat and emphasizes the nutritional benefits of red meat often overlooked in plant-based diets. A delightful exploration of steak and cooking techniques adds a lighthearted twist.

Apr 23, 2021 • 39min
Cellular Glucose Transport
How glucose moves in and out of cells is important to understanding insulin resistance, fuel use, and more. Let’s learn about glucose transporters on cells and how they regulate glucose in the body.Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 2021 • 36min
Heart Health - Fat Matters!
Challenging the belief that saturated fats cause blockages in blood vessels, the podcast delves into the role of foam cells and oxidized lipids in atherosclerosis. It explores the importance of balancing omega fatty acids in the diet and reevaluates the role of LDL in heart health and immunity. The impact of oils on inflammation, the significance of coronary artery calcium scores, and the influence of money in medical decisions are also discussed.

Apr 16, 2021 • 31min
Insulin Alters Metabolic Rate
Explore how insulin influences metabolic rate and challenges the 'calorie is a calorie' notion. Learn about insulin's impact on energy usage, mitochondrial function, and ketone production. Navigate challenges of dietary transitions and understand hunger levels post fasting.