Dr. Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist and professor of cell biology, discusses the phenomenon of anabolic resistance. Anabolic resistance, primarily a problem associated with aging, refers to the reduced ability of muscles to synthesize protein in response to anabolic stimuli, such as protein intake and resistance exercise. This condition leads to a decline in muscle mass and function over time, contributing to a loss of physical capacity, increased risk of falls, and a greater dependency on ot...
Aug 12, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Dr. Ben Bikman, professor of cell biology and metabolic scientist, delivers a lecture on the importance of fermentation and fermented foods from a metabolic perspective. He began by defining fermentation as the metabolic process where bacteria convert carbohydrates into organic molecules, emphasizing that bacteria primarily consume carbohydrates, not fats or proteins. Fermented foods such as dairy, vegetables, and beverages like kombucha and kefir are common examples. Fermentation not only chang...
Aug 08, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 64
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman introduces the concept of the Randle Cycle, also known as the glucose fatty acid cycle, in a lecture aimed at providing a better understanding of metabolism. The Randle Cycle, first identified by Dr. Philip Randle and his colleagues in the 1960s, explores how cells decide between using glucose or fatty acids for fuel. Dr. Bikman emphasized that this cycle has been misinterpreted on social media and aims to clarify its relevance in metabolic ...
Jul 23, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Dr. Ben Bikman’s lecture on leptin, delivered in his Metabolic Classroom series, highlights the hormone's critical role in metabolism. Leptin, primarily produced by white fat tissue, helps regulate energy balance by signaling the brain to suppress appetite and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle cells. Leptin levels correlate with body fat, and various factors like insulin and TNF alpha influence its production. Insulin significantly stimulates leptin secretion, highlighting a complex i...
Jul 18, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 62
Professor Ben Bikman discusses sarcopenic obesity, a condition involving obesity and muscle loss. This condition results from factors like sedentary lifestyles, aging, and metabolic disturbances. While obesity is common, sarcopenia typically affects the elderly, diseased, or very sedentary individuals. The combination of excessive fat and muscle loss makes sarcopenic obesity particularly challenging. Dr. Bikman explains the crucial role of muscle in blood glucose regulation. Muscle mass reductio...
Jun 28, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 61
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom Dr. Ben Bikman focused on the effects of alcohol on insulin resistance, emphasizing how ethanol, the main form of alcohol, influences the brain and metabolism. He highlighted that alcohol is primarily metabolized by the liver and can cause insulin resistance through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Dr. Bikman detailed the molecular pathways by which ethanol inhibits insulin signaling, notably by disrupting the insulin receptor substrate (IRS1) and i...
Jun 20, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 60
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman, a biomedical scientist and professor of cell biology, delves into the concept of energy toxicity. He begins by explaining that energy toxicity attempts to explain why certain cells, particularly those capable of storing energy like muscle and liver cells, become insulin resistant. The primary idea is that when these cells accumulate excess energy, particularly in the form of triglycerides, they become resistant to further energy storage by ...
Jun 06, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 59
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman begins by emphasizing the critical role of insulin in regulating the body’s use of fuel, and influencing whether nutrients are stored or burned. He highlights that food is a primary driver of insulin levels, but other factors like stress and sleep deprivation significantly impact insulin resistance. Stress, often exacerbated by poor sleep hygiene, leads to elevated levels of cortisol and epinephrine, which in turn increase blood glucose leve...
Jun 06, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 58
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman explores the history, science, and benefits of ketones, focusing on exogenous ketones. Ben highlights the significant benefits of ketones for brain health. He disputes the common belief that glucose is the brain’s preferred fuel, citing research by Dr. George Cahill that indicates the brain relies heavily on ketones during fasting. The classroom also addresses the evolution and advantages of exogenous ketones. Early forms of exogenous ketone...
May 23, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 57
In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman challenges the traditional view that saturated fats are the primary cause of atherosclerotic plaques and heart disease. He asserts that while plaques, or atheromas, in coronary arteries are composed partly of fats and foam cells, the exact process of plaque formation remains speculative. Dr. Bikman emphasizes that anyone claiming to know the definitive cause of plaque formation is likely overstating their knowledge. Foam cells, which are...
May 20, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 56
This episode of The Metabolic Classroom is sponsored by RxSugar. Use this link to get 20% off: https://rxsugar.com/discount/BEN20 02:10 - Overview of Uric Acid: Explanation of what uric acid is and its origins from purine metabolism. 03:16 - Uric Acid and Hyperuricemia: Discussion on uric acid production, excretion, and the condition of hyperuricemia. 05:09 - Gout and Uric Acid Crystallization: How high uric acid levels lead to gout and kidney stones. 07:08 - Importance of Uric Acid in Metabolis...
May 15, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 55
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 resist...
May 07, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 54
This episode of the Metabolic Classroom is sponsored by Redmond Real Salt. Use code BEN15 to get 15% off of their products: https://redmond.life Summary: In this lecture, Professor Ben Bikman explores the cardiometabolic effects of salt intake, detailing its role in electrolyte balance, fluid regulation, nerve function, muscle contractions, acid-base balance, and nutrient absorption. He explains the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and its response to low blood pressure or sodium leve...
May 02, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 53
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 lea...
Apr 24, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 52
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 ...
Apr 18, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 51
In this lecture, Professor Ben Bikman delves into the metabolic aspects of female infertility, specifically focusing on the influence of insulin resistance. He begins by highlighting the high prevalence of infertility among women of reproductive age, with up to 15% affected globally, and particularly prevalent in regions with high rates of insulin resistance, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin...
Apr 11, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 50
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 f...
Apr 01, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 49
In this lecture from the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist specializing in metabolism, delves into various strategies for fat loss. He begins by highlighting the importance of understanding fat tissue dynamics, focusing particularly on hormones, drugs, and sex-specific effects. The main topic for the lecture is strategies for fat loss, which Bikman divides into three categories: drugs, surgical interventions, and lifestyle changes. Bikman briefly revisits the topic of d...
Mar 28, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 48
In this episode of the metabolic classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman takes the helm to explore the multifaceted role of fat tissue as an endocrine organ. He begins by challenging the conventional view of fat tissue as merely a storage depot for energy, emphasizing its crucial role in hormone production and regulation. Dr. Bikman introduces the concept of endocrine organs and highlights the often overlooked status of fat tissue as one such organ. He discusses how fat tissue releases hormones into the blood...
Mar 21, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 47
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 sign...
Mar 13, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 46
In this week's episode of the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman delves into the complexities of fat tissue. The lecture aims to shift perspectives on fat beyond mere energy storage, highlighting its multifaceted roles in the body. Dr. Bikman encourages listeners to not only absorb the information but also become teachers themselves, spreading these insights and implementing practical changes. The lecture begins with an exploration of the evolutionary role of fat, debunking misconceptions and empha...
Mar 07, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 45
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 cardiovascul...
Feb 29, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 44
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 ty...
Feb 22, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In today's episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman delves into the fascinating topic of GLP-1, a hormone of significant interest in metabolic research. Dr. Bikman sets the stage by expanding the discussion beyond GLP-1 to include other incretions, defining them as a class of hormones produced by the small intestine. These hormones play crucial roles in nutrient metabolism, satiety, and hunger regulation. The discovery of incretions stemmed from observations following gastric bypass su...
Feb 14, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Beginning with a discussion on the evolution of these medications, Dr. Bikman emphasizes their significance in combating obesity-related health issues. He proceeds to analyze the mechanisms of popular weight loss drugs, such as Orlistat, Phentermine, and the combination of Phentermine with Topiramate, elucidating how each functions to aid weight loss. While highlighting the benefits, Dr. Bikman doesn’t shy away from detailing the potential side effects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for...
Feb 08, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 41
In today's Metabolic Classroom, the discussion centers on addressing insulin resistance, marking the final part of a series that viewers are encouraged to catch up on if they haven't already. Previous episodes have delved into the nature, origins, and implications of insulin resistance, highlighting its association with various diseases. Despite the somber tone of these revelations, the current discussion offers a ray of hope by focusing on solutions to this pervasive issue, emphasizing its solv...
Feb 02, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 40
The focus of Dr. Bikman’s Metabolic Classroom today is to help us all better understand, “Why does insulin resistance matter?” This week's Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Bikman delves into insulin resistance and its impact on health. Insulin resistance, involving impaired insulin function and elevated blood insulin levels, is explored as a key factor in chronic diseases. Dr. Bikman focuses on its crucial role in connecting obesity and type two diabetes, examining its effects on muscle tissue, the ...
Jan 25, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 39
The focus of the classroom today is to help you better understand the origins of insulin resistance. Learn more at: Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 22, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 38
The title for today is focusing on Insulin Resistance in the Metabolic Syndrome, and I could describe that another way, which is just kind of understanding metabolic health and that’s at the heart of what I wanted to focus on for the time that we have during the lesson itself. Alright, so first of all, metabolic health. We’ve all heard the term metabolism a lot. It is a buzzword, it is a word that we hear perhaps too often and even to the point that it’s often misused. Metabolism, just to be ver...
Jan 14, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Many people today are wary of discussions about leaky gut because there are so many questionable cures being sold without scientific evidence to support them. Let's talk about exactly what leaky gut is and how it's affected by what we eat. Here are the resources that Ben references during the episode: Source #1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18000291/ Source #2 - https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hep.30652 Source #3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC64127...
Aug 13, 2021•52 min•Ep. 35
