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The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Insulin IQ

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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75 - Glucosamine and Metabolic Health: What You Need to Know with Dr. Ben Bikman
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  • 75 - Glucosamine and Metabolic Health: What You Need to Know with Dr. Ben Bikman

    In the recording of today’s livestream episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman explores glucosamine’s impact on both joint and metabolic health.


    Glucosamine, commonly used as a supplement to alleviate joint pain, especially in osteoarthritis, is an amino sugar that plays a role in cartilage formation. However, its effectiveness in improving joint health is debated, with some studies suggesting modest benefits, while others find it no better than a placebo.


    Dr. Bikman shifts the focus to glucosamine’s metabolic effects, explaining that due to its structural similarity to glucose, glucosamine can enter cells via glucose transporters, particularly GLUT1 and GLUT2. Once inside cells, glucosamine can contribute to the production of UDP-GlcNAc, a molecule that interferes with insulin signaling, potentially leading to insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels. This effect is particularly concerning for individuals with underlying insulin resistance or a family history of type 2 diabetes.


    Ben refers to several studies, with most finding that glucosamine supplementation can impair insulin sensitivity and raise blood glucose levels in people with metabolic issues, while having little to no effect in metabolically healthy individuals.


    Dr. Bikman concludes by advising that glucosamine may not be worth the risk for people with metabolic health concerns, while for those who are metabolically healthy, it is likely safe to use. However, he stresses the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels if taking glucosamine and suggests other strategies for improving joint health, such as improving insulin sensitivity and reducing uric acid levels.


    Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)

    Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)

    Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

    Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: Ben10)


    visit: https://www.insuliniq.com


    References:


    Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to, which in this case is “Episode 75 - Glucosamine and Metabolic Health: What You Need to Know.”


    #Glucosamine #MetabolicHealth #InsulinResistance #BloodSugar #JointPain #Osteoarthritis #DrBenBikman #CartilageHealth #GlucoseTransporters #HexosaminePathway #InsulinSensitivity #Supplements #HealthEducation #MetabolismMatters #ChronicDiseases #DiabetesPrevention #Inflammation #JointHealth #Hyperglycemia



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

    Thu, 24 Oct 2024 - 29min
  • 74 - Hyperglycemia Explained: The Consequences of High Blood Sugar and Why It Matters with Dr. Ben Bikman

    In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman explores the metabolic implications of hyperglycemia, the condition of elevated blood glucose levels. He focuses on both the chronic effects, like those seen in diabetes, and the acute effects of glucose spikes, even from short-term dietary indulgences. Hyperglycemia, while often linked to insulin resistance and diabetes, also has a range of other negative consequences that can manifest even with occasional spikes.


    One of the key points Dr. Bikman discusses is the relationship between hyperglycemia and insulin. As glucose levels rise, insulin levels rise as well, which can lead to insulin resistance over time, forming a vicious cycle. He highlights studies showing that even a short-term increase in carbohydrate intake can significantly raise fasting insulin levels and triglycerides. These changes have direct consequences on metabolic health, including an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.


    Dr. Bikman also explains how hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress, causing the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This oxidative stress can damage proteins, lipids, and even DNA within cells. It also contributes to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are harmful compounds formed when glucose binds irreversibly to proteins, fats, or DNA. These AGEs are linked to various diseases such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and atherosclerosis.


    The lecture further explores how hyperglycemia damages the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) and degrades the glycocalyx, a protective gel-like layer on the endothelium. This damage increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by making blood vessels more prone to atherosclerosis. Additionally, high blood glucose levels lead to the glycation and oxidation of LDL cholesterol, making it more dangerous and likely to contribute to plaque formation in arteries.


    Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)

    Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)

    Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

    Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: Ben10)


    visit: https://www.insuliniq.com


    References:


    Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to.



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

    Sat, 19 Oct 2024 - 35min
  • 73 - The Links Between Antidepressants, Metabolic Health, and Insulin Resistance with Dr. Ben Bikman

    This week, during the Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman examines the metabolic consequences of medications used for mental health, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Ben highlights the close connection between mental health disorders like depression and anxiety with metabolic issues, particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. These medications, while effective for managing mental health symptoms, often lead to metabolic side effects such as weight gain and insulin resistance, complicating the relationship between mental and metabolic health.


    Dr. Bikman reviews key neurotransmitters—serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—that influence both mental and metabolic functions. Serotonin helps regulate mood and appetite but can promote fat accumulation and inhibit fat breakdown. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward systems but also plays a role in regulating energy expenditure and fat metabolism. Norepinephrine, closely related to adrenaline, is involved in the body’s stress response and can stimulate fat breakdown and thermogenesis.


    The lecture then shifts to the metabolic effects of common mental health medications, such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics. While these drugs can stabilize mood, they are often linked to significant metabolic disturbances, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and cravings for carbohydrate-heavy foods. Ben notes that these medications may exacerbate underlying metabolic issues, potentially worsening the mental health conditions they are meant to treat.


    Dr. Bikman concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing metabolic health when treating mental health disorders. He highlights the role of brain glucose hypometabolism, where insulin resistance in the brain may contribute to anxiety and depression. He suggests that improving metabolic health through approaches like ketogenic diets could potentially enhance mental health outcomes by better nourishing the brain and restoring neurotransmitter balance.


    https://www.insuliniq.com


    Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)

    Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)

    Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)


    References:


    Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to.


    #MentalHealth #MetabolicHealth #Antidepressants #AnxietyMedications #WeightGain #InsulinResistance #DrBenBikman #MentalHealthMedications #DepressionTreatment #MetabolismMatters #HealthAndWellness #Neurotransmitters #Type2Diabetes #BrainHealth #SSRIs #Antipsychotics #FatMetabolism #MentalWellness #HealthyLiving #NutritionAndMentalHealth



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

    Thu, 03 Oct 2024 - 31min
  • 72 - The Truth About Liposuction and Its Health Impact, with Dr. Ben Bikman

    In this lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman explores liposuction, highlighting its popularity and effects on body fat. While body fat serves important functions like energy storage and hormone regulation, liposuction only removes subcutaneous fat, leaving visceral fat untouched. Dr. Bikman emphasizes that fat cell size, not total fat, is key to metabolic health, and larger fat cells can lead to insulin resistance.


    Liposuction, though effective for quick fat removal, does not improve metabolic health or insulin sensitivity. Without lifestyle changes, patients often regain fat in different areas. He suggests that liposuction should be seen as a body contouring tool, not a health solution, but it may offer benefits for those with lipedema, improving pain and quality of life.


    https://www.insuliniq.com


    Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)

    Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)

    Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)

    Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15)


    Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to.



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

    Thu, 26 Sep 2024 - 27min
  • 71 - The Truth About Lactate: It’s Not What You Think | Dr. Ben Bikman

    In this week’s episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman clarifies misconceptions about lactate metabolism, emphasizing that there is no lactic acid in the human body—only lactate.


    He explains that lactate is the end product of non-oxidative glycolysis, produced when cells, particularly muscles and red blood cells, require quick ATP energy. Dr. Bikman highlights that lactate production occurs during high-intensity activities where energy demand exceeds the capacity of mitochondria to generate ATP efficiently.


    Contrary to popular belief, lactate is not responsible for muscle soreness or fatigue.


    Ben delves into the history of lactate research, mentioning key contributors like Otto Meyerhoff, who identified lactate as a product of anaerobic metabolism, and Carl and Gerty Cori, who discovered the Cori cycle. This cycle demonstrates how lactate is recycled by the liver into glucose, which can then be used by muscles for energy. Lactate, once considered a waste product, is now understood to be an essential substrate for gluconeogenesis.


    Dr. Bikman introduces George Brooks' lactate shuttle theory, which reveals that lactate is a viable energy source that can be directly utilized by mitochondria for fuel. He explains that this discovery revolutionized the understanding of lactate, showing it can be oxidized within cells for energy production rather than merely being excreted as a waste product.


    Dr. Bikman also discusses lactate’s potential in clinical contexts, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, where lactate can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain when glucose metabolism is impaired. Moreover, he touches on how lactate influences fat cells, promoting mitochondrial uncoupling and aiding in fat burning, contributing to metabolic health. Ben suggests that continuous lactate monitoring could help identify mitochondrial dysfunction and predict type 2 diabetes risk.


    https://www.insuliniq.com


    00:00 - Introduction to Lactate Metabolism

    01:09 - Lactic Acid vs. Lactate: Debunking the Myth

    02:16 - Glycolysis and Lactate Production

    04:23 - How Lactate is Produced in Muscles

    06:23 - Red Blood Cells and Lactate

    07:18 - History of Lactate Research: Otto Meyerhoff

    09:40 - The Cori Cycle: Lactate Recycled into Glucose

    13:54 - Lactate as a Viable Energy Source

    15:55 - George Brooks' Lactate Shuttle Theory

    18:44 - Lactate and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

    20:55 - Lactate’s Role in Fat Burning and Mitochondria

    23:58 - Lactate in Clinical Contexts: Metabolic Health

    25:09 - Continuous Lactate Monitoring and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

    28:59 - Lactate as a Predictor of Type 2 Diabetes

    29:59 - Conclusion: Lactate’s Critical Role in Health and Energy


    Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)

    Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)

    Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)


    References:


    Due to character length constraints, references are not posted here. However, for a complete list, we respond quickly. Please email: support@insuliniq.com with your request, and be sure to mention which Metabolic Classroom episode you are referring to.



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

    Fri, 20 Sep 2024 - 30min
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