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References:

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📢 Ask Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind (multilingual):

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📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com

Topic Today:

Ketones, particularly BHB, aren’t just backup fuel—they’re powerful signals that affect inflammation, gene expression, and mitochondrial function. This episode shows how BHB acts like a hormone to enhance metabolic health and cellular resilience.

Summary:

In this episode of the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman explores the remarkable role of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the most abundant ketone body, as both a metabolic fuel and a cellular signaling molecule. While traditionally seen as mere backup energy, BHB is now recognized as a potent agent that influences gene expression, reduces inflammation, and protects mitochondrial function.

Ben unpacks the dual nature of BHB, describing how it activates specific receptors like GPR109A and FFAR3, modulates immune responses, and directly inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in chronic inflammation. He also highlights how BHB affects epigenetic regulation through HDAC inhibition, enhancing cellular resilience and antioxidant defenses.

The lecture concludes by tying these pathways together to show how ketones—whether produced endogenously or taken as supplements—convey a coordinated biological signal of adaptation and protection. This shift in understanding elevates ketones from mere “backup fuel” to central players in metabolic health.

NOTE: The information presented is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Bikman is not a clinician—and, he is not your doctor. Always seek the advice of your own qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Ben’s favorite yerba mate and fiber: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/1BA884

Exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code BEN10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb

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

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

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📢 Ask Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind (multilingual): https://benbikman.com/ben-bikmans-digital-ai-mind

📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com

In this lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman explores the misunderstood role of glucagon, insulin’s often-overlooked metabolic counterpart.

While insulin encourages fat storage and glucose uptake, glucagon signals the body to mobilize and burn stored energy. Contrary to popular belief, glucagon does not stimulate fat release from adipose tissue in humans. Instead, its fat-burning effects occur primarily in the liver, where it enhances fatty acid oxidation, ketone production, and energy expenditure.

Glucagon’s power lies in shifting the metabolic balance through the insulin-to-glucagon ratio—a key determinant of whether the body stores or burns fat. Ben also unpacks the liver's molecular response to glucagon, including activation of mitochondrial fat-burning enzymes and ketone formation. Human studies now confirm that glucagon increases liver fat oxidation, making it a valuable target in new weight-loss drugs.

New dual and triple agonist drugs that combine GLP-1 with glucagon receptors show superior weight loss outcomes compared to GLP-1 alone. They not only suppress appetite but also increase metabolic rate, making them potent tools in fighting obesity and fatty liver disease. However, lifestyle strategies like fasting and low-carb diets remain powerful ways to naturally leverage glucagon’s benefits without pharmaceutical intervention.

Show Notes/References:

For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber or member. You’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, unlimited access to Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, and online, live Office Hours access with Ben. It also includes Ben’s Weekly Research Review Podcast. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com

NOTE: The information presented is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Bikman is not a clinician—and, he is not your doctor. Always seek the advice of your own qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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

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📢 Ben’s LPS/Leaky Gut Recommendations: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/insuliniq-leaky-gut-recommendations

📢 Ask Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind (multilingual):

https://benbikman.com/ben-bikmans-digital-ai-mind

📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com

In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Ben explains how lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—toxic molecules from gram-negative gut bacteria—can escape into the bloodstream through a compromised intestinal lining, triggering chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance.

Dr. Bikman breaks down the roles of tight junction proteins like ZO-1, occludin, and claudins, and explains how the signaling molecule zonulin disrupts these junctions. Zonulin release is often triggered by dysbiosis and dietary components like gluten and fructose.

He also highlights how LPS-induced inflammation impairs insulin signaling and promotes ceramide production, contributing to liver fat accumulation and systemic insulin resistance.

Ben offers practical, evidence-based strategies to maintain gut barrier integrity and reduce LPS absorption—these include:

- apple cider vinegar

- spore-forming probiotics (especially Bacillus subtilis)

- prebiotic fibers (like FOS and XOS)

- and omega-3-rich foods or supplements

Dr. Bikman ends with dietary and lifestyle takeaways to protect gut health and metabolic function.

Show Notes/References:

For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber or member. You’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, unlimited access to Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, and online, live Office Hours access with Ben. It also includes Ben’s Weekly Research Review Podcast. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com

NOTE: The information presented is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Bikman is not a clinician—and, he is not your doctor. Always seek the advice of your own qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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