Insulin Resistance in Alzheimer's, Infertility, Migraines and More - with Dr. Ben Bikman

Metabolic dysfunction is the root cause of most noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and mental health conditions. Luckily, simple, practical strategies can improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health, including controlling carbs, eating whole foods rich in protein and fat, and doing resistance training to strengthen muscles.
Dr. Ben Bikman is a professor of cell biology and physiology at BYU; he is also passionate about bringing to the public science to help everyone make informed decisions to better their health. In this discussion with Dr. Bret Scher, Dr. Bikman explains that insulin resistance is at the heart of metabolic dysfunction. He details the three primary drivers of insulin resistance: stress, inflammation, and, the most common and detrimental cause, too much insulin driven by the constant consumption of refined starches and sugars.
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Dr. Ben Bikman
InsulinIQ.com
Instagram: @benbikmanphd
X/Twitter: @BenBikmanPhD
Check out Why We Get Sick by Dr. Bikman:
a.co/d/bHPn1io
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at metabolicmind.org/
About us:
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Insulin resistance and chronic health conditions
5:28 What is insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction?
8:48 Insulin resistance in different cell types
13:49 Insulin resistance in the brain
21:44 Three causes of metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance
27:15 The best diet and exercise to improve insulin sensitivity
31:20 The impact of GLP-1 agonists on lean mass
35:00 What Dr.Bikman is working on now
37:48 Conclusion
#MetabolicMind
#KetoForMentalHealth
#MetabolicPsychiatry
#MetabolicNeuroscience
#KetogenicMetabolicTherapy
#NutritionalKetosis
#MentalIllness
#AlternativeTreatment
#Diabetes
#InsulinResistance
#MetabolicHealth
#PreventativeMedicine
#LowCarb

[@Wings_nut]

I could listen to Drs. Scher and Bickman all day. I learn something new with each discussion.

[@JMK-vo8pv]

One of the warnings I always hear from medical internet educators is "Always consult with your medical care provider before you change your lifestyle or any of your medical treatments". Here is the PROBLEM. Many GP's, internists, cardiologists and dieticians are so uninformed/CLUELESS about metabolic health and/or optimal human nutrition, how can we trust what they are telling us to do?

[@metabolicmind]

We understand your frustration. Please check out these resources if you are looking for a doctor more experienced with metabolic health www.diagnosisdiet.com/directory, www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/doctors, thesmhp.org/directory/

[@JMK-vo8pv]

Thank you very much. With the amazing metabolic information provided by Dr. Scher and Professor Bikman, and an increasing number of similar critical thinkers, I am trying to take control of my own health and not rely on the supposed medical "experts" and Big Pharma "researchers"!@@metabolicmind

[@wheelofcheese100]

I understand your frustration. I just take as a CYA thing they have to do. I don’t know if it’s a legal thing too and/or KZbin “jail” 😊

[@ronnapierson7178]

Pretty sure that disclaimer is a “CYA” statement. 😊

[@wheelofcheese100]

@@ronnapierson7178 Agreed. I used to get frustrated when I heard a disclaimer. Now I’ve come to realize that they have to.

[@juiceboxboy8143]

Loved the idea that the brain would rather almost shut down and function poorly than kill itself off. Helps explain why a person with mental problems and seemingly no hope can go on a ketogenic diet and resolve issues quickly.

[@DeviatingVapors]

starches + sugars in general has been the key issue w/the entire list of ‘ the plagues of prosperity ‘ for 120+ years now. certainly should’ve been relegated to those stuck in the last millennium. GRAS got overhauled in late 2013. no perk to a LFHC diet of any description. while there might be some use to a very small amount of starch (key word small) for your b-vitamin intake, I would say getting them from the animal kingdom should be the go-to for anyone that is struggling with any of the subject line keywords. reading a couple fresh hardcovers in our wellness library lately - points to the downfall (the last century due to the discovery of insulin). there is no perk to seek nutritional bits from a diet devoid of health. the diabetes group proves the futility there. Dr. Chris van Tulleken - Ultra-Processed People (2023) + Gary Taubes ‘ Rethinking Diabetes ‘ (2024) are a must read for anyone at odds with the idea that there is an essential carb (because there isn’t) / the healthy keto and carnivore patients prove that very eloquently before 1921 .. and post 2017.

[@kellyfrost1052]

I grew up with PCOS. In my 40's... Got a compounded Traumatic Brain Injury . Chronic migraines and headaches. Never ever was diet discussed. Three years ago found to be diabetic. Contrary to Drs.' orders... Went to fasting and low carb

[@godfreypinder9933]

J

[@Amber4]

The meds cause the insulin to become higher and higher in the end. You become dependend on it.

[@BruceLee-bd4pr]

WOW, MIND BLOWN!!! I'm a primary care physician and just found this discussion fascinating. This information is so fundamental to the health of our patients yet I dare say that these principles of disease management (not to mention prevention) are likely mentioned in perhaps one percent of clinic visits. This information needs to be somehow more widely disseminated. Once learned, those with a conscious cannot unlearn it and then fail to inform their patients. Thank you so much!

[@terrymcnee3568]

Life has taught me the truth you just said. Best exercise is what you Will do. I built houses for 50 years. Now retired. So best exercise at 73 years young. SURFING FOR ME. Your science on gut biome health to me is SACRED. THANK YOU MY FRIENDS. from a recent ketovore old fart. cheers

[@johnmartinsen963]

Good stuff, too bad the people that need to hear it most won't listen until severe damage is done. Thanks Ben and Bret 🙏

[@jellybeanvinkler4878]

If at all...😢

[@vjy21ctra]

You're right. People never take good advice. There's no other way for cure.

[@rachelrockafellow3861]

Every time I listen to Dr. Bikman, I learn a little (or a lot) more about insulin resistance. Excellent interview!

[@krisduckettcoaching]

I love how he explains things in such an easy to understand way!

[@conceptjenius4360]

I love listening to someone who really knows what they are talking about and are as fluent as this. Great info, thank you

[@dilettanter]

Amazing interview- love the explanation of PCOS. I had never heard that before. I need to listen to whole thing again :)

[@Jimfrenchde]

The problem with Ozempic and Wavogvy in my opinion, is that you slim down overweight people who are malnourished.. But as a result you have slender malnourished people,.

[@LauraB.335]

Not to mention, a drug will never address the root cause of a problem; once you go off it, the weight will most likely come back; the horrible possible side effects; and the 1000s of dollars spent on a drug from an industry that doesn’t care one iota about the health and well-being of its customers. I understand wanting to lose fat and I understand being sick of being fat and sick, but I will never understand the inclination to thinking popping a pill is the answer, especially when the answer is one of food and fasting. It may not always seem easy, but it is incredibly simple and anyone can do it and afford it.

[@iss8504]

Technically an overweight person is overnourished. I have a morbidly obese brother who is considering wegovy now. He has been like this for decades and he's at the end of his rope. Extremely unhealthy. He does not think fasting is healthy. He continues his low calorie diet, in spurts. I told him at least eliminate fruit and sugar. He told me he'd rather die than be without sugar. When i repeated that to him but substituted heroin for sugar, he hung up on me. Cannot reason with addicts. If wegovy helps with addiction, and i see it does, he should take it.

[@Jimfrenchde]

I wish him luck. Do you think he might try adding protein to his diet first? After that, wean himself from fruit and sugar. Adding a ribeye to his meal or meals as a first step doesn't take willpower.@@iss8504

[@vannahhall915]

These meds can take some of the pressure of persistent thoughts of food. That's a really great thing for a sugar/food addict.

[@vannahhall915]

​​@iss8504 Consider more than energy/calories in your definition of nourishment. Overweight people can be malnourished. Lacking sufficient protein and vitamins for instance.

[@vickimaiorano5763]

Love you guys! Thanks for all you do.

[@trippwhitener9498]

It takes a paradigm shift in someone's life to get out of insulin resistance.

[@MadaraRanawaka]

explained so well

[@jobrown8146]

Thank you. I continue to listen to videos like this because I sometimes learn a bit more or something is clarified as well as keeping me motivated to not return to a diet that does not provide the nutrition my body requires.

[@patriciao5239]

Fantastic interview! Useful & downright interesting info from the guest and astute questions by the interviewer. Thank you for this.

[@murdermittensnyc]

I really appreciate Dr Bikman for his rigorous work and consistent messaging, but i have one bone to pick … not all animal protein comes with (sufficient) fat. Fish. Cod, tuna, even Salmon have very little fat especially relative to protein. It’s misleading (min 29 ish) to say all animal protein comes with fat. Wild game also super lean so it’s not even land vs sea animals. He could do a better job discussing that bit. Being wrong about something that obvious dings the whole conversation. I keep trying to share his message with those on the cusp-interested but skeptical, but they throw that back at me as obviously wrong and a reason to ignore the whole message. 😢 That said, excellent highlights of a growing and extremely serious problem. Kudos to you both.

[@lseh4720]

Thank you for sharing the research. I’d love to read the material, but I don’t have enough time to read everything I’d like. So, it’s great that I’m able to listen while I wash dishes. Learned so much. Thanks.

[@andersnorelius6876]

So darn good!!! It all makes sense.

[@OpineSocial]

Brilliant Scientist from Cardston, AB

[@johnmadany9829]

Thanks you guys! Insulin resistance creates susceptibility to viral respiratory illnesses. Therefore insulin resistance is a key driver of both acute and chronic illness!.

[@DocToks]

So very important!

[@user-zg7nx2iy5u]

It's important,to know the impact of insilin resistance explained by Dr ben Bikman.

[@m-hadji]

Awesome discussion. In case of me adding Statin by my doctor bumped my glucose level 20% and I think it changed my insulin sensitivity.

[@kathys5525]

Such smart men Scientis, Doctors all connect to teach!!!! Dr Bick, Empowers me with every show he is on! Calm, so, so calming, smart & a joy to listen too & then learn from!!! Bravo!

[@muchasalud2011]

Bikman

[@fronniebealer7808]

It was such an interesting interview. I will ruminate on the points (while I eat ruminant meat).

[@rainermaelger4726]

Danke !!!

[@SeaBreeze21344]

Loved listening to the podcast. I am T2, insulin resistance, ischemic cardiomyopathy, pcos. I have been ketovore for over one year. Nearly reversed my T2 diabetes. My Fasting Insulin in January 2023 was 23.4 mu/L and C peptide was 10.1 ug/L. Are these very high?. Im from the UK

[@graphicmaterial5947]

Regarding exercise: HOW COME that every other land animal on the planet tries to save energy as much as possible by only running at two occasions: 1. To decrease the distance to a reward. 2. To increase the distance to a threat? Why don't they need to have a barbell hidden in the bushes or a treadmill behind the tree? Why is lying in a field for most of the day not considered sedentary behaviour when it comes to lions or sheep? I'm seriously wondering if it's because of diet, other daily activities or something else. Why doesn't that apply to humans aswell? Anyone?

[@MyMeatomorphosis]

I have wondered the same thing.

[@TheStudentOfLife808]

Because humans are the only animal that eats for pleasure and addiction

[@melissal3383]

Animals still walk all day. Even a lion, who rests in the HEAT of the day, is moving, mostly walking, at least 12 hours/per day . Same as my dogs. They sleep a LOT. 12 or more hours. BUT they are high drive Malinois dogs & their energy expenditure is insane when they ARE running & playing. If humans moved, even just walking, for 7-8 hrs a day & dropped fake processed foods, we’d be a beautiful healthy species. Think about this. American natives (Indians to be politically incorrect) had summer homes & then migrated 500-700 miles South for winter. If you couldn’t walk, the tribe HAD to leave them behind. The tribe was put before the individual. We are truly meant to cover between 6-15 miles per day. The Morton Arboretum in Illinois were summer grounds for Natives. Interstate 57 & 65 were well traveled migration routes for them…..

[@graphicmaterial5947]

Sure, but you're talking about natural movement with a purpose. I'm talking about Pilates balls, walking poles, barbells, pushups and such crap. I often go for a 6 mile walk on sunny summer mornings.Doing that, I pass a field with sheep, and they are always lying down except for when eating or when nature calls. Just saying...@@melissal3383

[@WORKOUTSOLUTIONS]

❤💪⛪🙏☦GOD BE WITH US ☦🙏🕊🌟💪

[@maryperry7944]

Would essential tremors be caused from hyperinsulimia?

[@drgoldhealthcare]

Bikman, in PCOS the follicles are premature (never mature) because there is a developmental arrest of these follicles...

[@marcysmith2851]

I have a friend who suffers greatly with migraine headaches. I could not find where in this video you spoke to these, as it says in your heading. Can you help me out there please?

[@metabolicmind]

Here's an educational guide that has detailed information about ketosis for headaches. We hope that helps! www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/migraines-cluster-headaches

[@marcysmith2851]

@@metabolicmind thank you so much!!! I will share that with her 🫶🏻

[@biologiclogic5904]

Read both your books - very fascinating! I was wondering if keto can help resolve gender dysphoria since that is considered a mental disorder.

[@SMEEST55]

There is currently one notable exception : a new sort of cloths which is possibly the result of covid vaccins(jabs). These new sort of cloths(white) do have a completely different composition than those traditionally leading to CVD

[@kellyfrost1052]

Clots

[@DocToks]

Absolutely 💯 about the new type of clots!

[@glenanson6963]

You should say "starches" and "sugars" and not "carbs" because fiber is also a carbohydrates and it does not raise insulin.

[@DaveIrish66]

Fiber like carbs are also not essential to the body for us to survive. Non essential

[@darlafitzpatrick8770]

"The key to health" (thumbnail) makes it sound like insulin resistance is something you want

[@johnmartinsen963]

Whatever it takes to get skeptics to view is fine with me.

[@darlafitzpatrick8770]

@@johnmartinsen963 yeah, good point!

[@DocToks]

But it says reversing insulin resistance: the key to health.

[@darlafitzpatrick8770]

@@DocToks now it does ;)

[@fastingfeastingbeasting]

Carbs are not evil ...Carbs are life ...good carbs ...not the ultra processed junk that society gorges on !! Hence difficult to appreciate those who take a hard line on avoiding carbs . Logging off .

[@onlyonecai]

You have not tried to be open-minded and understand the underlying science of a different perspective, have you? Carbs might not be evil per se, but they, especially in fructose form, are more like plant's materials for animal manipulation. You don't need to eat a single gram of carb to thrive. Your liver can make more than all the glucose you need if there's the need.

[@DaveIrish66]

Your relationship with carbs is the problem. If carbs were essential to survive, then we would need to eat or drink them . But the fact is they are not essential for survival and the body thrives in the absence of them.

[@cherylking1459]

I want to see Dr Bikman talking to President Biden. This message needs to get out.

[@mariad1151]

Why does Bikman speak as tho his ideas are gospel? Aren't there any repurcussions in science for doing so? He doesn't qualify a single statement! Arrogance here. No respect for this audience for sure.