The Hidden Power of Ketones: Fueling + Signaling

<p>Listen ad-free by becoming an Insider: <a href="https://www.benbikman.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.benbikman.com</a></p><br /><p>References:</p><p>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&amp;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.</p><br /><p>📢 Ask Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind (multilingual):</p><p><a href="https://benbikman.com/ben-bikmans-digital-ai-mind" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://benbikman.com/ben-bikmans-digital-ai-mind</a></p><br /><p>📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community &amp; Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: <a href="https://insuliniq.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insuliniq.com</a></p><br /><p>Topic Today:</p><p>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.</p><br /><p>Summary:</p><p>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.</p><br /><p>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.</p><br /><p>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.</p><br /><p>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.</p><br /><p>Ben’s favorite yerba mate and fiber: <a href="https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/1BA884" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/1BA884</a></p><br /><p>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: <a href="https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb</a></p><br /><p>Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: <a href="https://gethlth.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://gethlth.com</a> (discount: BEN10)</p><br /><p>Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: <a href="https://blokes.co/drben15" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://blokes.co/drben15</a> (discount: DRBEN15)</p><hr /><p style="color: grey; font-size: 0.75em;"> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>