Dr. Benjamin Bikman - 'Insulin vs. Glucagon: The relevance of dietary protein'

Dr. Benjamin Bikman earned his Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and was a postdoctoral fellow with the Duke-National University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. He is currently a professor of pathophysiology and a biomedical scientist at Brigham Young University in Utah.
Dr. Bikman's professional focus as a scientist and professor is to better understand chronic modern-day diseases, with a special emphasis on the origins and consequences of obesity and diabetes, with an increasing scrutiny of the pathogenicity of insulin and insulin resistance. He frequently publishes his research in peer-reviewed journals and presents at international science meetings.
Dr. Bikman has long been an advocate of a ketogenic diet in light of the considerable evidence supporting its use as a therapy for reversing insulin resistance. His website InsulinIQ.com promotes dietary clarity, healing, and freedom through evidence-based science about insulin resistance. Employing cell-autonomous to whole-body systems, Dr. Bikman's recent efforts have focused on exploring the intimate associations between the metabolic and immune systems.

[@KenDBerryMD]

This is an amazing lecture. Everyone who eats LowCarb/Keto should watch, comment and share!

[@upyours1256]

no ! do it yourself !

[@davidled]

@KenDBerryMD but I'm confused... so Dr. Bikman is saying that there's more autophagy with 24hr fast + STEAK (higher glucagon -insulin ratio) compared to a straight 48 hour fast (less glucagon spike even if lower insulin) ?

[@BetterOff735]

This also supports the carnivore results (in my,opinion) due to mainly GLUCONEOGENESIS !

[@BetterOff735]

@@davidled metabolic rate increases the most at 24 to 48 hrs of a fasted state (if I understand correctly) while on the contrary, when insulin is high, it LOWERS the metabolic rate)

[@bobcocampo]

How to test for Glucagon?

[@stephendavidrathburn8952]

I've watched this three times and learn more every time. I am so thankful to know that Dr. Bikman teaches Med. Students. There's still a glimmer of hope for the medical field in the future !!!😊

[@pjflynn]

Thank you Dr. Bikman, you make a lot of sense. I am a 72-year-old bloke with T2D and some coronary trouble. I found out that intermittent fasting combined with the ketogenic diet has done wonders for me. Your chat illuminates my meager knowledge.

[@binathere2574]

I'm 67 I can longer do intermittent fasting.

[@irenechola1780]

This is the best doctor/researcher I have come across. I love everything I am learning from all the professionals featured in this channel but Dr. Bikman blows my head away and makes me understand so much based on facts.

[@paulredding1955]

This has got to be one the the *most* informative videos on 'keto' that I have ever seen! Awesome! Now I need to watch it about four more times to understand a little bit of these processes.

[@Nitka022]

lol...ditto....there are bits in here which just flew a bit over my head as well!

[@joannekerr8839]

Yes - agreed on both points!

[@barkpeeler2000]

Agreed extremely informative in comparison to most keto videos..

[@BetterOff735]

I just watched it the 4th time and finally understood (can't say I can regurgitate it in a conversation, but the LIGHTS came on - please read my,post above if you haven't - my experience from going 6 month keto to carnivore)

[@nswhorse]

I never tire of listening to Dr. Bikman. He knows his shit, and he knows how to explain it clearly and so that ordinary people can understand.

[@Kurtrussell_]

Someone needs to send this to Dr. Eric Berg and Thomas DeLauer, as they don’t advocate a high protein consumption, and they have a massive audience to reach.

[@kathya1956]

And Bart Kay

[@Nitka022]

I simply love Dr Bikman...so so smart! Such good presenter...he is fun to watch and listen to...I can't get enough of his presentations....brilliant!..:-)

[@stephenkentstephenson7017]

So eating an all meat (& fat) diet with NO plants reduces serum insulin to absolute minimums! (zero?) Now I know the mechanism that knocked my high volume metastatic prostate cancer into remission! Yes, the summer of chemo along with a ketogenic diet produced stable PET bone scans, but the sites did not go dark until I became a carnivore.

[@broznar1019]

interesting personal experience. as a radiation therapist this kind of evidence however coincidental really peeks my interest in diet and cancer

[@patriciaeubanks9651]

I would like to discuss the diet that you used fighting prostate cancer. My husband has been diagnosed with this and we are searching ways to fight this by changing his diet. He is 68 but still eats (was) like a teenager. If you would be willing to discuss your diet with my husband, please contact me. Thank you.

[@stephenkentstephenson7017]

Happy to share with you and your husband what I've done; send me an email: [e-mail]

[@JohnnyRay920]

Congratulations!

[@CraigCastanet]

congrats on having the courage to experiment, contrary to your oncologist, I'm sure.

[@museitup4741]

The importance of this talk cannot be understated. It really puts the carnivore diet's success into perspective. low carb, high carnitine, continued insulin sensitivity despite high protein intake. Awesome

[@daxvax]

Ye but carnivore diet is stupid for humans…

[@judylloyd7901]

@@daxvax Listen again and listen carefully! 🥴

[@vegardbell]

@@daxvax So, the diet we have been eating for millions of years, is stupid? What do you suggest then?

[@marksmith1791]

I submit that this man is a genius.

[@airpierre2501]

This is the #1 video I show patients, on this topic.

[@petercyr3508]

I love this guy. A real scientist on the right track. So generous with his time and efforts to help and so able to explain it clearly. This is the second stage of the revolution where professionals are taking over from the talented amatuers. A significant development.

[@Powerman80923]

Wow, this is the best KZbin video I have ever seen. Great speaker and points well made.

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

What a WONDERFUL presentation. You can always tell a presenters knowledge and passion for a topic/material from there ability to talk/comment on the subject without pausing or looking at slides. Great information and puts perspective on the subjects.

[@busyrand]

Well done! An amazing speaker who communicates with beautiful clarity. Outstanding presentation.

[@larisalaniak3312]

Best explanation of insulin vs glucagon I have heard yet! Thank you Dr. Bikman for simplifying this complex topic!!!!

[@jamesh.4375]

Love Dr. Bikman... I can also appreciate that he came to this study/conclusion in good faith.

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

Thank you for this. I have been on a Carnivore Eating Plan for 60 days. I was 392 pounds when I started. Today I was 365 pounds. I am losing 0.45 pounds per day. I eat Beef, Bacon, Eggs, Butter, and Water, and some Electrolytes. My brain fog and depression have disappeared. My 90 day decision, I will try to figure out if I can add some vegetables back into my plan. I am about to go get my blood checked after a 14 hour fast. My Dr. says eating protein and fat will kill me. Well, it's either eat low carb/Carnivore or not live a great life at all. So I am pushing forward to health..

[@dejanatanackovic909]

I am a bit late with this video.. But about 8 years ago, I had this very same information in my textbook.. "amino acids dramatically increase glucagon levels if there is no carbohydrate intake" .. And we don't update our textbooks so often here (Serbia) ..

[@unchainedcrochet446]

There is not enough nutrition education here in medical fields. Most of our accredited programs revolve around disease management and symptom management...definitely not wellness, nutrition, or Reversing disease. I think the tide is really starting to turn now!!

[@ErnestRodgers]

Just the opposite of "dumbed-down." Thank you for increasing our understanding of the chemical processes going on when we consume food.

[@Zerf4132]

This answered so, so many questions I’ve had that I couldn’t find the answers to. Thank you for your work. Also, you’re an excellent speaker!

[@barry4499]

I'm not a doctor or scientist but loved this lecture. I'm back again to watch it. Once is not enough !!

[@evianx1]

3rd time back for me!

[@duaneallen5276]

I’m on a low carb diet and this is my most favorite video, learned so much! He is so excited and is a great lecturer!

[@dvw7205]

How often can one say, “This is what true genius sounds like.“? I believe this is the most informative, compelling, objective, and thus convincing presentation I have ever heard about the human metabolic process and the motivations to make changes regarding eating. I’ll freely admit I had to research and memorize several times before I could watch this in its entirety, but I feel I’ve just been schooled (in a good way-like the escort you mentioned). Incidentally, this perfect video was a perfect pairing with my Chuck roast.😏 Thank you!

[@Loribyn]

A truly exceptional presentation! That was the clearest, and by far the best, explanation of protein's _actual_ role in LCHF/ketogenic diets (and thus in the low-CHO/keto-adapted body) I've seen to date. I am in awe!

[@damg2762]

Amazing lecture, I’ve never heard this approach before, even in my medical school years.- thank you 🙏

[@onecompass7290]

I would dearly LOVE to see the same focus on Vegan diet that is high carb and high sugar.

[@MarjorieBurnett]

The most interesting talk about the relevance of protein. As a 67 year old woman in ketosis I am concerned about the proper amount of protein. Well presented so even I could understand. Thank you! xoxoMarjorie

[@mimiedwards7791]

You might want to read Valter longos longevity and fasting book......he speaks of how important protein is for a person of your age

[@sooooooooDark]

1.2-2.4g protein/kg bodyweight for older ppl dont forget calcium iodine magnesium...they rnt very rich in most ppl's diets and preferably stay away from dairy cuz it tends to leech calcium off the bone (at least non raw dairy)

[@daves1675]

Keto N Koffee with Marjorie www

[@per.kallberg]

sooooooooDark And at perhaps 20% protein in fatty good meat that translates to roughly 500g -1000g a day. 500g of red meat a day is an undertaking for a lady weighing just north of 50kg. For me at 110 kg it seams ridiculously even thou I love meat. I just read that it was for old people and I’m not old but still.

[@wolfkang86]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5CwiX6Xnaand9E Hope this helps

[@VongolaSun]

26 in age 15 years of “formal” education 1 year into keto/LCHF diet 🤦🏻‍♂️ I learnt more about nutrition and fitness from pursuit for a better diet then I did in school. Why did younger me hated Biology.

[@russellcosby9224]

I am in the same boat

[@nephileon9693]

younger you still wouldn't learn this stuff even if you loved biology enough major it in college.

[@bludelphinium994]

Right!!! I’m obsessed now. I want to go back to school.

[@allkindsofgainz6988]

I find Ben's enthusiasm incredibly inspiring ☺️

[@Biohackthefat]

This was an AMAZING talk! Thank you Dr. Bikman, for clarifying this very confusing subject for many! well done!

[@padminiatal2950]

When I listen to his talks I am always amazed by how intelligent Dr Bikman is and how well he explains .. This talk was brilliant - he gives the perfect diet at the end ..

[@davidlomm4424]

This perfectly explains the claim (with some merit) of "Red Meat produces a larger Insulin spike than Pasta" :) The Amino Acids in the Red Meat CAN & WILL cause a big Insulin response IF you are also eating a lot of Carbs in your diet ;)

[@RogerOnTheRight]

Best nutrition lecture yet. Ever. Thanks.

[@neilhaslewood8109]

So this is fascinating, if I understand correctly in a fasted state protein will increase blood glucose but NOT increase insulin relative to glucagon! This may explain why my BG has been stable but somewhat higher recently after 2 years of continued omad/keto. Thank goodness & Dr. Ben Bikman for putting me out of my misery! I am so impressed by Ben, his humility particularly is an inspiration to all public speakers!

[@danibrunton7864]

Man, this lecture is so relevant! Earlier this year I competed in a Figure Competition and won 2nd place. I was able to get down to 11% body fat with no anabolic steriods used. Also experienced *no* detrimental health effects (think thinning hair, brain fog, or brittle nails, etc) that most competitive Figure women experience close to a show. I was able to do this all on a Carnivore Diet, and this video proves why it worked so well for me. I was able to maintain excellent muscle density up to the show, and maintain good energy up until about 30 days close to the show (I don't care who you are, that's normal.) Even now, 6 months later, I still have great muscle density and am not training near what I was anymore. This gave me a lot to think about in regards to energy and protein consumption. Thanks, Dr. Bikman!!

[@newunderthesun7353]

I no longer feel guilty eating 75 to 90 grams of protein per day over my 25 grams of carbs net. Feels good to feel good.

[@barkpeeler2000]

NewUnderTheSun Same here. Cheers

[@FactualCounterpoints]

Isn’t high Protein linked to high IGF which is linked to cancer?

[@casamexico7838]

@@FactualCounterpoints if you have a high carb diet then yes probably - that's the point of the presentation, but its due to the carbs. We are clearly designed/evolved/whatever you believe for eating muscle meat and its included fats and should not eat carbohydrates.

[@winsomecohall2250]

Actually it’s 20 Total carbs according to dr Westman and dr phinny who promotes The Keto Genic diet

[@johnkap5740]

Are we allowed and is it okay to have a protein shake after a workout at the gym? Or, will it knock us out of ketosis?

[@HaZeNathan]

This was really good! Thankfully someone smart talks about protein needs for keto.

[@unchainedcrochet446]

The title should be #1 THE BEST lesson on metabolism, insulin vs glucagon. Thank you Low Carb Down Under and thank you for your service Dr Bikman. 🙏

[@emmaalexander5960]

This is truly a great lecture. Well written, well spoken, great slides and science that makes sense to ever low carber consuming more than 15% protein. Love the low carb down under channel and definitely want to see Ben’s lecture this year. Bring it on!

[@jonanderson6882]

Excellent explaination of a riddle I have been struggling with. Thank you.

[@keithhaken172]

Amazing talk. I have to listen to it every few weeks.

[@migi7787]

Excellent advice, cannot stop listening to your lectures, will follow up on Linkedin for sure, to get your latest insights, what a bright analysis! Thank you

[@pkottha1]

KETO, LCHF, IF, OMAD lifestyle is awesome.

[@user-tv2sh2ce1e]

What about some more abbreviation? BDSM maybe?)))

[@vasred4265]

Very much agreed! The simplicity of life and such a diet really benefits you!

[@sz8558]

Damn...that was one of the most comprehensive and succinct lectures on low carb diet i have seen (and that i could understand as a regular Joe)...thanks

[@EvangelineMunda]

Oh my! I feel so elated ! Thank you so much Dr. Benjamin Bikman for your explanation. Such an eye opener.

[@nissaguestpsl7750]

Brilliant! Absolutely consistent with my experiences as an insulin resistant individual.

[@kerryhamilton1968]

Brilliant, yet again! Ben has a gift in being able to research (understand chemistry etc) and present in a non-academic way. Loved it. Learnt and confirmed a lot. Gonna keep eating my slow-cooked pork ribs.

[@PaulSchneider-bp2ic]

But, aren't they high in the inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid?

[@broadsword6650]

A fascinating subject presented in an informative and entertaining way. Nice one!

[@amjedabdeljelil9038]

Amazing Lecture Dr Benjamin.. Love this Dr, I learned so much from his presentation.. Thank you..

[@rajavigneshsundaramoorthy9777]

I got to know lot of biochemistry concepts perfectly related to the food we eat....this could not be explained by any practising doctor.Great video....

[@judiwallace259]

What a great lecture and speaker! Thank you Dr. Bikman.

[@michaeldillon3113]

Fantastic lecture . Thank you for your work and for your teaching 👍

[@SnapographyAP]

Most sensible analysis of diet I have heard to date.

[@ajaymahadik]

Amazing video Dr Bikman, such complex topic explained in such cheerful way. Kudos.

[@denimb2024]

I’ve watched it two time already!!!! I’m so thankful to Ben Bikman’s research and life !!!! He is bringing light to so many peoples lives 🙏🏻

[@prairiechickK]

What a great explanation, easy to remember, simple, and beautiful. What can I say, biochemistry and hormones make me happy 😊

[@frequentlycynical642]

Wow, wow, wow! An amazing lecturer, amazing visual aids, amazing teacher, amazing information. Thank you Dr. Bikman and LCDU! I "got into" diet and health eleven years ago when I went paleo, I was obese. I've read probably 3000 quality articles about diet and health, most peer reviewed. As of late, add KZbin videos. With the information in this video, suddenly SO many things talked about out there in the community make sense. Why the carnivore diet works, way way more than just elimination of carbs. It so happens that I've come to his final suggestions on my own, via my long, long winding road over the last decade. Being 73, I know to keep my protein up. My target minimum is 120g/day. That's about 1.5g/kg BW. (Quick alternate calculation: Take your ideal body weight in pounds, divide by 2. The result is about 25% more than the usual g/kg/BW calculation, but it's probably safer. That's minimum. Multiply by 1.2-1.5 for a good protein intake that lets you then eat more fats.) Something I've never seen clarified is WHAT body weight? Obviously a 300 pound person shouldn't be eating 270 g/day of protein. I presume that fat cells have no protein requirement, right? So, I use "ideal weight." One could also use calculated lean mass and adjust accordingly. I've been taking L-Acetylcarnitine sporadically, mixing the powder int scrambled eggs, for "egg"zample. Now it appears that it should be taken during my daily IF. I'm going to take some before I go to bed and again in the morning. Based on that one chart, my glucagon should skyrocket! This is a keeper video that needs rewatching!

[@CommunistKiro]

Man, this is some good informative stuff.

[@ketoman4057]

This is by far the best advice ever. Thank you Dr. Bikman and Low Carb Down Under!!

[@sandraray3264]

Excellent; Learned so much; presented in a way I will remember and can implement in my life!

[@kk70x7]

I literally gasped at the 70 ratio of Insulin/Glucagon! Really good news on protein in the LCHF state. I have a hard time eating much fat first during the day. It can make me quite nauseated and I'd so much rather have a balance of protein and fat to break my fast. THANK YOU!

[@ronhanson4044]

If you add butter and coconut oil to your coffee the fat adds up pretty quickly. Rather than producing nausea it actually calms my stomach down, but of course we are each unique.

[@DanielMotadtm]

Really enjoyed this talk. Very enlightening.

[@NalamPenu]

Staggering results doc, great work, keep enlightening us.

[@GDogAU]

Thanks Doc for all you do. Super relevant to my lifestyle.

[@everettesfit]

Outstanding presentation and explanation. I've been low carb for years and competed in many bodybuilding /physique competitions. I've pushed my body to the brink on many occasions.. You've just wrapped up in 30 mins my life's work. Until seeing this lecture I wrestled with the battle of whether I was consuming too much protein.. Thank you thank you Dr Bikman for validation of my nutritional instincts

[@lucash7972]

How high or low are your T levels after years of low carb? I want to go low carb but I'm curious because I lift weights 5 times a week

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

@@lucash7972 Doing Carnivore Eating will possibly raise your T levels 20 percent naturally.

[@spive21]

ben bikman is a genius

[@artisticgene]

spive21 ll

[@xychoticbreak5198]

Wow. This explains the biochemistry behind why Tim Ferriss advises eating 30g of protein within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning. It triggers a big glucagon spike with minimal insulin impact. This is awesome stuff.

[@kirkellis4329]

Great, wonderfully clear and concise presentation !

[@Mrclingerful]

as someone who often fasts this is a great video.

[@lindamcneil711]

I really appreciate this lecture. Real food and protein. Thank you.

[@k-rpen8719]

WOW！感谢字幕提供讓我可以了解這些資訊。非常感謝這位科學家和相關人士帶來偉大的研究學說！！🔥

[@SouthernShodan]

Excellent information! Eye opening to see the diff. of fasting+protein vs. carb+protein effect in the body.

[@MsYoootube]

The best 36 minutes of my life

[@johnschlesinger2009]

Most informative and well presented.

[@suewhartonartist7775]

Excellent presentation, very clearly explained and illustrated

[@Angel_Dinev]

Very informative scientific lecture! Keep the great work! 🙏

[@annesummers09]

Wonderful lecture. Thank you so much!

[@flok3rous]

A very insightful talk.. I submit!

[@karneymac]

Fantastic info and delivery!

[@hyperTorless]

Outstanding presentation! Truly scientific and humble job of trying to untangle the complexity of our biology. The protein effect on SAD probably sums up all the bad press proteins and meat have been having since institutionalised nutrition science.

[@jacebeach8767]

Yes! It suggests a mechanism by which meat consumption in the context of the SAD eating burgers with fries and a shake could affect health in a radically different way that someone on a low carb or carnivore diet. We can’t assume that eating meat is eating meat - studies suggesting higher meat consumption is harmful to health could be completely irrelevant to a person on a low carb or carnivore diet- someone in a completely different context than someone on the SAD.

[@daryltownsley4562]

very good point...

[@khamikos1]

perfect presentation .thanks

[@triciapyke2867]

Love the lecture. I have have been carnivore since may 28 of this yr. I have gone to omad and am playing with fasting. I am going to start eating every other day. My purpose is not just weight loss but to help in autophagy and become more healthy. Ty

[@bikecontroller3268]

He says at 9:00 to 9:30, the non glucose infused graph is on the left but it is on the right. He says at 10:00 to 10:15 the alanine input causes glucagon to go down but on the graph it seems to go UP. Lecture would be better without these errors, but it keeps the audience attentive. I had to play it back several times.

[@netional5154]

Finally someone else notices. I didn't want to ask this question if it was asked before, but of course there is no chance of getting a reply with so many comments anyhow. In the long run glucagon does go down but there are indeed clear spikes round the time of the alanine infusion. There's probably a complicated explanation for this which goes a bit too far for this presentation.

[@khamikos1]

thanks that was a great and amazing presentation.

[@littlesigh]

Dr. Bikman is an awesome presenter first and foremost, and that goes a long way in relaying the topic successfully. This has been one the THE BEST presentations I have heard in over 10 years since I first put eyes on the word Glucagon. Cannpt thanks you enough for uploading this video.

[@digitalsuperman]

he is a very good speaker. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@adeypoos]

Benjamin Bikman is at the cutting edge of the latest research into the way our bodies work. His lecture about uncoupled mitochondria via brown fat adipose tissue was equally enlightening. A must watch for anyone into low carb diets and anyone just interested in the physiology of nutrition mixed with endocrinology.

[@anncoleman6956]

I'm going to have to pay attention to this video...taking notes!!

[@ashishjain871]

Wow, what a great lecture. Loved it.

[@khalilsh]

Absolutely amazing, very enriching and gives a perspective to the proteinphobia. Looking forward to his next presentation next year.

[@davidjohns5236]

Amazing lecture & way out in front of of many Keto lecturers!

[@lowcarbkitchen]

Thank you! Good information and cleared up some things for me.

[@psierra06]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@kathyowens890]

Brilliant - thank you so much!

[@muhammedkhan4626]

Simply brilliant!

[@mythilychari8754]

Though I knew it all this presentation was very clear and concise. Well done. Carb out health in.

[@disnalee]

Carb is quit harmful to us if consume on high so its best to consume less so our blood glucose wont spike our blood sugar.

[@jo-hantoong6960]

Brilliant talk, thanks!

[@mpoharper]

I really appreciate this lecture and the protein advice. I feel comfortable upping my protein because of this. I have been keto for a year and now have a normal A1C so it is time because I need to build lean body mass to protect my bones as I age!!