52 episodes

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 InsulinIQ.com.
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The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman Insulin IQ

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 47 Ratings

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 InsulinIQ.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Lipedema with Dr. Ben Bikman

    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.
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    01:59 - Adipocyte Structure
    04:43 - Collagen Alterations in Lipedema
    06:57 - Estrogen’s Role in Lipedema
    10:10 - Mechanical Factors Contributing to Pain
    11:07 - Biochemical Factors Contributing to Pain
    14:11 - Therapeutic Interventions for Lipedema
    23:27 - Impact of Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Pain Reduction
    30:14 - Insights into Fat Cell Function and Hormonal Influence
    37:31 - Summary
    Effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on pain and quality of life in female patients with lipedema: a randomized controlled trial
    The Benefits of Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat (LCHF) Diet on Body Composition, Leg Volume, and Pain in Women with Lipedema
    Dr. Bikman’s website
    #Lipedema #Lipadema #LipedemaAwareness #Lipoedema #LipedemaSupport #LipedemaTreatment #LipedemaSurgery #LipedemaTherapy #LipedemaDiet #LipedemaLegs #InsulinResistance #InsulinResistanceAwareness #InsulinResistanceDiet #InsulinSensitivity #MetabolicSyndrome #Type2Diabetes #BloodSugarControl #InsulinResistanceSupport #HealthyLiving #diabetesprevention

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    • 42 min
    The Metabolism of Male Infertility

    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 infertility
    01:18 - Infertility statistics and men's contribution to the issue
    02:37 - Hormonal role in male reproductive function: FSH and LH
    03:53 - FSH and LH stimulation of spermatogenesis and testosterone
    05:57 - Testosterone's functions in male fertility and maturation
    08:04 - Nitric oxide's role in erectile function and its insulin connection
    11:28 - How insulin resistance impacts testosterone production and erectile dysfunction
    14:02 - Insulin resistance's effects on testosterone synthesis and aromatization
    18:55 - Strategies to improve metabolic health and alleviate male infertility
    26:38 - Conclusion: The link between metabolic health and reproductive function
    #MaleInfertility #FertilityHealth #Metabolism #ReproductiveHealth #InfertilityAwareness #MenHealth #SpermHealth #HormonalHealth #NutritionForFertility #HealthTalk #MaleHealth #FertilityJourney #HealthyLiving #HolisticHealth
    https://www.insuliniq.com

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    • 34 min
    The Metabolism of Female Infertility

    The Metabolism of Female Infertility

    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, plays a crucial role in female infertility. Dr. Bikman explains that insulin resistance manifests in two main aspects: disrupted insulin signaling in cells and elevated blood insulin levels, known as hyperinsulinemia. These disruptions affect various stages of reproductive physiology, including oocyte development, ovulation, and implantation.
    Dr. Bikman then provides a detailed explanation of the ovulatory cycle, emphasizing the interplay of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in regulating follicle growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. He discusses how insulin resistance can interfere with this process, leading to poor oocyte quality, failed ovulation, and complications with implantation.
    The lecture further explores conditions associated with insulin resistance and female infertility, notably polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Bikman explains the Rotterdam criteria used for diagnosing PCOS, which include irregular ovulation, signs of hyperandrogenism, and ovarian cysts. He elucidates how insulin resistance contributes to the development of PCOS by inhibiting aromatase activity, leading to reduced estradiol production and disrupted ovulation.
    Finally, Dr. Bikman discusses treatment approaches for PCOS, including the use of insulin-sensitizing medications like metformin and dietary interventions such as low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets. He underscores the importance of addressing insulin resistance to improve ovulatory function and mitigate the most common form of female infertility.
    (00:01) Introduction to Female Infertility and Metabolism
    (01:14) Global Prevalence of Female Infertility and its Association with Insulin Resistance
    (02:23) Understanding Insulin Resistance and its Impact on Female Reproductive Physiology
    (05:30) The Ovulatory Cycle and the Role of Hormones in Reproduction
    (11:14) Effects of Insulin Resistance on Oocyte Development and Ovulation
    (13:27) Impact of Insulin Resistance on Implantation and Uterine Health
    (17:19) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and its Relationship with Insulin Resistance
    (33:44) Treatment Approaches for PCOS: Medications and Dietary Interventions
    Learn more at https://www.insuliniq.com
    #pcos #pcosawareness #PCOSTips #PCOSJourney #PCOSCommunity #PCOSFight #PCOSWarrior #FertilityJourney #InfertilityAwareness #TTC #FertilityTips #FertilitySupport #InfertilitySupport #ConceptionJourney #FertilityTreatment #PCOSandFertility #InfertilityStruggle #PCOSAwarenessMonth #IVF #FertilityHealth #FertilitySuccessStories

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    • 37 min
    Fatty Liver Disease with Dr. Ben Bikman

    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


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    • 35 min
    Strategies for Fat Burning with Dr. Ben Bikman

    Strategies for Fat Burning with Dr. Ben Bikman

    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 drugs for fat loss, emphasizing GLP-1 agonists and their mechanism of action in reducing cravings. He discusses their efficacy but also mentions potential side effects such as sexual dysfunction and the risk of regaining fat mass after discontinuation.
    Moving on to surgical interventions, Bikman provides detailed explanations of bariatric surgeries including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Ben discusses their mechanisms, benefits, drawbacks, and potential complications, shedding light on the complexity and consequences of these procedures.
    Next, Bikman explores liposuction, highlighting its cosmetic nature and its limited impact on metabolic health. He explains how liposuction removes fat cells from subcutaneous fat depots, which may lead to a rebound effect as remaining fat cells compensate by hypertrophying.
    The lecture’s focus then shifts to lifestyle changes, particularly exercise and nutrition. Bikman emphasizes that exercise should be pursued for health and strength rather than solely for weight loss. He stresses the importance of nutrition in fat loss, advocating for strategies that prioritize lowering insulin levels through carbohydrate control, prioritizing protein, and not fearing dietary fat.
    Bikman underscores the significance of managing insulin levels as a primary step in fat loss, followed by potential calorie control through structured fasting if necessary. He discusses the metabolic advantages of lowering insulin, including increased metabolic rate and ketone production.
    Finally, Dr. Bikman briefly mentions alternate methods like sauna and cold plunge therapy, suggesting their potential contribution to fat loss, although empirical evidence is lacking. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of shrinking fat cells through proper lifestyle strategies, promoting overall metabolic health.
    Throughout the lecture, Bikman’s teaching style is engaging and informative, providing insights into the complex interplay of hormones, physiology, and behavior in fat metabolism and weight management. 
    Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com
    Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful lectures from Professor Ben Bikman in the Metabolic Classroom series!

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    • 33 min
    The Skinny on Fat: Sex and Fat Metabolism

    The Skinny on Fat: Sex and Fat Metabolism

    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 bloodstream, exerting significant metabolic effects throughout the body.
    The lecture delves into sex-specific differences in fat distribution and hormone production, with a focus on the influence of estrogen on fat storage and hormone levels in women. Dr. Bikman further explores the impact of menopause on fat tissue and hormonal changes, shedding light on how shifts in hormone production affect metabolism and fertility.
    Leptin, the first discovered fat-derived hormone, is dissected in detail by Dr. Bikman, who elucidates its role in appetite regulation, metabolic processes, and fertility. He discusses how excess fat can lead to leptin resistance, compromising its effectiveness in metabolic regulation.
    Other hormones such as adiponectin, estrogen, TNF alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and T3 are also explored for their metabolic effects and their association with fat cell size.
    The lecture concludes with a focus on brown adipose tissue and its production of T3, highlighting its role in regulating metabolic rate, particularly in response to stimuli like cold exposure.
    In summary, Dr. Bikman provides a comprehensive overview of the endocrine functions of adipose tissue, emphasizing the intricate relationship between fat cells and hormone regulation, with implications for metabolism, inflammation, and overall health.
    00:01 - Introduction to Adipose Tissue as an Endocrine Organ
    01:07 - Sex-Specific Differences in Fat Distribution
    03:21 - Impact of Menopause on Fat Tissue and Hormone Production
    05:45 - Endocrine Effects of Fat Distribution
    07:58 - Role of Fat Tissue in Aromatization and Estrogen Production
    10:13 - Impact of Fat Cell Size on Hormone Production
    12:24 - Detailed Exploration of Leptin
    14:45 - Examination of Adiponectin and its Metabolic Effects
    18:17 - TNF Alpha and its Impact on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
    21:05 - Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and its Implications for Clotting
    22:16 - Brown Adipose Tissue and its Production of T3
    24:30 - Conclusion and Summary
    #insulinresistance #metabolicsyndrome #metabolichealth #type2diabetes #type1diabetes #weightloss #intermittentfasting #intermittantfasting #fasting #lowcarb 
    Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com

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    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
47 Ratings

47 Ratings

Elisa Pool ,

Educational & Empowering!

I appreciate Ben’s way of explaining the science so that we can not only understand but also apply that information to our lives - and spread the word! He’s helping us have better lives and be part of a movement. Let’s go!

leslieandelky ,

Ben Bikman PhD is an extraordinary professor of metabolic health

I learn every timeI listen to him. All things insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. In-depth and not just surface level for those of us who are ready to move deeper into learning. So easy to listen to and so clear.

dblack73 ,

Information everyone needs to hear.

I love listening to Ben Bikman talk about all things metabolism. He's been instrumental in my transformation, along with Jason Fung, Ted Naiman, and Peter Attia.

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