The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Dr. Steven Cowles, an OBGYN specialist, joins Dr. Ben Bikman to discuss how insulin control is crucial for women's reproductive health. They explore the impact of insulin on female fertility, including its connection to PCOS. The conversation also highlights the positive effects of a low-carb diet on reproductive health and stresses the importance of managing insulin levels for overall well-being.

Explore the intriguing dynamics between caffeine, insulin, and metabolism. Discover how caffeine can boost energy levels but also create dependency. Learn about its dual effects on metabolic rate, influenced by hormones like epinephrine and cortisol. Delve into the health implications of different caffeinated beverages and the importance of moderation. Uncover the myths surrounding coffee acidity and its impact on stomach health, along with insights into caffeine's role in insulin sensitivity and exercise performance.

Dr. Bikman discusses the myth of 'healthy' whole grains, citing studies on their negative impacts. Topics include the benefits of low carb high-fat diets, the effects of phytic acids and gliadin in grains, and the authenticity of sourdough bread. The podcast also explores the impact of fermentation on health, challenges of dietary shifts, and the importance of avoiding substitutes for genuine nutritional benefits.

Some of the most common diabetes drugs work in interesting ways. Let’s talk about some of the most common: SGLT inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists.Here are the resources that Ben references during the episode:Study #1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24917578/Study #2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30240793/Study #3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32827151/Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Bret Scher, a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist, joins the conversation to unravel the misconceptions about cholesterol. He clarifies the distinctions between 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol, urging listeners to rethink traditional metrics and lifestyle choices. The discussion highlights the significance of individualized approaches to heart health, the limited impact of dietary cholesterol, and the importance of understanding lipoproteins. Scher also touches on the challenges of integrating lifestyle changes in medicine, emphasizing support systems for effective behavior modification.

Exploring the unique characteristics and connections between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, understanding the role of insulin in diabetes, discussing MODY and low carb diets, insulin pumps and ketogenic diets in pregnancy, insulin levels and A1C measurements for diabetes management, the honeymoon phase in type 1 diabetes, and diet impact on insulin requirements.

Discover the ins and outs of metformin, the go-to diabetes drug, including how it works and its surprising risks. Learn about its dual role in enhancing insulin sensitivity while potentially causing nutrient deficiencies. Delve into the myths surrounding metformin's impact on muscle growth and longevity, and find out why lifestyle changes may be more effective than medication alone. Explore its effects on breastfeeding women and how personal empowerment is key to managing insulin resistance.

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.

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.

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.