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 BenBikman.com and InsulinIQ.com.

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158 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes158

Newest first

February 23 · 22 min
How Bile Controls Insulin, GLP-1, and Fat Burning
More Knowledge, Better Health
February 16 · 22 min
LDL Isn’t the Problem? The Real Drivers of Heart Disease
More Knowledge, Better Health
February 9 · 25 min
Why Exercise Benefits Every Organ — Not Just Muscle
More Knowledge, Better Health
February 2 · 27 min
How Glucose Overload Breaks Your Metabolism (And How to Fix It)
More Knowledge, Better Health
January 26 · 23 min
Why Your Cells Age (And What You Can Do About It)
More Knowledge, Better Health
January 12 · 21 min
Separating Nicotine from Smoking: Myths, Metabolism, and Medicine
More Knowledge, Better Health
January 5 · 27 min
The Hidden Power of Ketones: Fueling + Signaling
More Knowledge, Better Health
Dec 22, 2025 · 22 min
GLP-1 Isn’t Enough: Why Glucagon is the Key to Lasting Weight Loss
More Knowledge, Better Health
Dec 15, 2025 · 34 min
Stop Metabolic Inflammation at the Source: Your Gut
More Knowledge, Better Health
Dec 7, 2025 · 24 min
Boost Testosterone Naturally: Mitochondria, Insulin, and Fighting Back
More Knowledge, Better Health
Dec 1, 2025 · 20 min
How Omega-3s Supercharge Fat Loss and Muscle Gain
More Knowledge, Better Health
Nov 24, 2025 · 26 min
Ketones and Your Heart - How Ketones Protect the Cardiovascular System
More Knowledge, Better Health
Nov 17, 2025 · 23 min
Plant Protein vs Animal Protein: What the Science Really Says
More Knowledge, Better Health
Nov 10, 2025 · 26 min
Why Women Enter Ketosis Faster Than Men - What the Science Reveals
More Knowledge, Better Health
Nov 3, 2025 · 18 min
How Ketones Help the Brain Recover From Concussions
More Knowledge, Better Health
Oct 27, 2025 · 25 min
The Power of Plasmalogens: Boost Metabolism & Improve Insulin Sensitivity
More Knowledge, Better Health
Oct 15, 2025 · 20 min
Ketogenesis & Stress: Can Stress Hormones Actually Be Good For You?
More Knowledge, Better Health
Oct 13, 2025 · 27 min
Why the Glycocalyx is a Hidden Key to Metabolic Health & How to Protect It
More Knowledge, Better Health
Oct 6, 2025 · 21 min
The Pancreas: Our Most Underrated Metabolic Organ & Why Its Health is Vital
📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com 📢 Become an Insider, Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.com In this episode of Metabolic Classroom, Ben Bikman takes a detailed look at the pancreas, a small but mighty organ with two major roles—endocrine and exocrine. The endocrine pancreas (just 1–2% of its mass) regulates metabolism by secreting hormones like insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide, and ghrelin. These hormones work together in a push-pull fashion to control blood sugar, fat storage, appetite, and nutrient use. Importantly, the flow of blood from endocrine tissue directly into the exocrine portion of the pancreas allows these hormones to rapidly influence digestion—a unique design seen in few other organs. Dr. Bikman explains that the exocrine pancreas (about 98% of the organ) produces powerful digestive juices that include enzymes for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This fluid is rich in bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid and protect the small intestine. The enzymes are released in inactive forms and activated only in the intestines to avoid damaging the pancreas itself. The endocrine and exocrine systems are closely linked. For example, insulin not only manages nutrient storage but also supports the function and growth of the exocrine acinar cells. Conditions like pancreatitis and type 2 diabetes often affect both systems due to this interdependence. If one side of the pancreas is disrupted—such as when insulin production is impaired—the exocrine side may also begin to fail, leading to digestion and nutrient absorption problems. This lecture underscores the critical role the pancreas plays in total metabolic health. From blood sugar control to nutrient absorption, its dual functionality makes it a cornerstone of digestive and hormonal balance. Supporting the pancreas through diet, exercise, and reduced insulin demand is essential for maintaining metabolic health across the board. Show Notes/References: For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber. You’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, and online, live Office Hours access with Dr Bikman. It also includes Ben’s Research Review Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com IMPORTANT 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.
Sep 29, 2025 · 28 min
How Your Nervous System Controls Metabolism: Fight or Flight vs Rest & Digest
📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com 📢 Become an Insider, Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.com In this foundational Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Ben Bikman unpacks the vital role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in maintaining health and metabolic balance. The ANS, a part of the peripheral nervous system, regulates involuntary processes such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure—largely without conscious control. It's divided into two branches: the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems. Dr. Bikman first explains how the sympathetic system is designed to mobilize energy quickly through hormones like epinephrine. While short-term activation (like during exercise or danger) is beneficial, prolonged sympathetic activity—known as sympathetic overdrive—can lead to insulin resistance, mitochondrial stress, oxidative damage, and fat accumulation in organs like the liver and muscle. Conversely, the parasympathetic system, largely driven by the vagus nerve, supports digestion, insulin release, recovery, and metabolic regulation. He emphasizes the importance of heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of balance between these systems and overall metabolic health. Practical strategies to promote parasympathetic tone and restore ANS balance include breath work (like the 4-7-8 technique), exercise, cold therapy, avoiding late-night glucose spikes, and creating a strong wind-down routine before bed. The message is clear: managing stress and supporting ANS flexibility is crucial for metabolic health and long-term disease prevention. Show Notes/References: For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber. You’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben after the lecture, ad-free podcast episodes, show notes and references, and online, live Office Hours access with Dr Bikman. It also includes Ben’s Research Review Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more: https://www.benbikman.com IMPORTANT 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 health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

How Bile Controls Insulin, GLP-1, and Fat Burning

LDL Isn’t the Problem? The Real Drivers of Heart Disease

Why Exercise Benefits Every Organ — Not Just Muscle

How Glucose Overload Breaks Your Metabolism (And How to Fix It)

Why Your Cells Age (And What You Can Do About It)

Separating Nicotine from Smoking: Myths, Metabolism, and Medicine

The Hidden Power of Ketones: Fueling + Signaling

GLP-1 Isn’t Enough: Why Glucagon is the Key to Lasting Weight Loss

Stop Metabolic Inflammation at the Source: Your Gut

Boost Testosterone Naturally: Mitochondria, Insulin, and Fighting Back

How Omega-3s Supercharge Fat Loss and Muscle Gain

Ketones and Your Heart - How Ketones Protect the Cardiovascular System

Plant Protein vs Animal Protein: What the Science Really Says

Why Women Enter Ketosis Faster Than Men - What the Science Reveals

How Ketones Help the Brain Recover From Concussions

The Power of Plasmalogens: Boost Metabolism & Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Ketogenesis & Stress: Can Stress Hormones Actually Be Good For You?

Why the Glycocalyx is a Hidden Key to Metabolic Health & How to Protect It

The Pancreas: Our Most Underrated Metabolic Organ & Why Its Health is Vital

How Your Nervous System Controls Metabolism: Fight or Flight vs Rest & Digest