57: Exogenous Ketones with Dr. Ben Bikman

In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman explores the history, science, and benefits of ketones, focusing on exogenous ketones.

He begins by explaining the fundamental chemistry of ketones, emphasizing the difference between endogenous (produced within the body) and exogenous (introduced from outside the body) ketones. The three main ketones discussed are acetoacetate, which can convert to either acetone (excreted from the body) or beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the primary ketone measured in metabolic assessments. Ketosis, the state of elevated ketone production, is typically inhibited by high insulin levels, which direct metabolic processes away from ketogenesis towards lipogenesis (fat creation).

Ben highlights the significant benefits of ketones for brain health. He disputes the common belief that glucose is the brain’s preferred fuel, citing research by Dr. George Cahill that indicates the brain relies heavily on ketones during fasting. Ketones have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, and alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. Beyond brain health, ketones enhance physical performance by increasing ATP production efficiency in muscle cells and boosting metabolic rates in fat tissues, thus promoting fat loss.

The classroom also addresses the evolution and advantages of exogenous ketones. Early forms of exogenous ketones, like ketone salts, had limitations such as mineral imbalance and poor taste. Advances led to the development of ketone esters and bioidentical BHB, which are more effective and palatable. Exogenous ketones can help control appetite, reduce inflammation, and improve exercise performance. Despite initial concerns about their potential to be converted back into fat, Professor Bikman clarifies that this is not a risk, as the liver cannot reverse ketone production into fat.

Overall, Dr. Bikman emphasizes that while ketones themselves offer numerous metabolic benefits, the primary advantage of a ketogenic state is maintaining low insulin levels, which supports fat burning and overall metabolic health. He encourages the use of exogenous ketones to enhance these benefits, particularly for managing cravings, improving physical performance, and supporting cognitive function.

00:01 - Introduction to Ketones
01:58 - Types of Ketones - Explanation of the three main types of ketones: acetoacetate, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyrate.
02:58 - Ketones and Blood Acidity - Discussion on how ketones can affect blood acidity and the distinction between ketosis and ketoacidosis.
04:04 - Insulin's Role in Ketone Production - How insulin levels determine whether the body produces fat or ketones from acetyl-CoA.
07:23 - Benefits of Low Insulin Levels - Overview of the metabolic benefits of low insulin levels, including improved fat burning and metabolic health.
08:19 - Ketones and Brain Health - The positive effects of ketones on brain function and cognitive health, debunking the myth that glucose is the brain's preferred fuel.
13:33 - Ketones and Physical Performance - Evidence that ketones improve physical performance and energy efficiency in muscle cells.
17:31 - Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ketones - Ketones’ role in inhibiting inflammation and their benefits for inflammatory disorders.

#Ketones #Ketosis #ExogenousKetones #MetabolicHealth #InsulinResistance #BrainHealth #CognitiveFunction #WeightLoss #FatBurning #KetogenicDiet #LowCarb #Inflammation #Type2Diabetes #PhysicalPerformance #benbikman

Studies Referenced:

[Controls_Tech_]

As a construction worker, I learn something from every one of your videos. I just wish your field of science and your knowledge of it would be a textbook that all doctors would have to learn from before they can practice medicine.

[anteandrovic]

The metabolic classroom is pure genius. Thankyou.
Learnt more here in 30 minutes, than in a lifetime of talking to doctors.

[rothelsbeth]

I've been using exogenous ketones! I've been following the Keto diet for 2.5 years and then switched to carnivore for the last 18 months. Dealing with advanced Osteoarthritis, I've found that ketones act as my pain reliever (better than painkillers). I've been keeping track of my ketone levels... Here's the interesting part - if my ketosis level drops below 1.5, I experience pain. However, after consuming ketones, an hour later the pain disappears and my levels are between 2.3 to 2.8. My GKI stays between 2.8 to 3.3 every day. It's truly remarkable! Thank you for all your fantastic videos.

[louisecashd.c.]

My husband, 83, and I, 71, use exogenous ketones when we are driving long distances. We live full time in our travel trailer and appreciate the help that ketones gives our brains!

[carlor.s.]

Dr. Bickman, I can't tell you how much I love these lectures! In fact I'm developing an addiction to them-LOL! I'm a retired clinical psychologist & have always had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. I spend my evenings watching lectures like these instead of watching bad movies. Although I've watched many interviews involving yourself, I didn't discover this channel until recently. Thank you so much for allowing me to go back to school & learn--the thing I most like to do!

[makeshiftwings]

The more I listen to you the more I am so thankful I listen to you.

[caitlin]

I started using exogenous ketones after hearing you talk about using them. I have one client that I visit every week for 6 hours and her house is made of candy. I drink the ketones and go through the whole visit without a horrible urge to eat the candy. I am so thankful I started listening to you.

[jobrown]

This "student" is learning more from these lectures. Thank you very much.

[donaldmcpherson]

Damn, you hit it out of the park with this class. You filled in some of the holes I have been curious about. It is a privilege to attend the metabolic classroom.

[gt]

I'm an elderly woman who's been keto for 4 years. I follow that protocol to reduce inflammation and weight, but also because of the dementia that runs in my family. I do my best to keep my cognition high so I have recently started to take exogenous ketones because I heard it was valuable for brain function and health. Whether it is a placebo effect or actual improvement, I experience increased clarity and awareness when I take exogenous ketones before a "study" session. I have not experience much difference in weight control but I do feel some improvement with inflammation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us in a way that even laymen can understand!

[Nyt]

Socrates was known to fast, sometimes for several days, in preparation for debates and discussions and the like. Even this ancient, wise man knew that fasting (being ketogenic) was beneficial for the brain. Insane!

Fasting is such an ancient and wise wisdom that we have forgotten. We must bring this consciousness back!!

[davidcottrell]

very cool! basic carnivore here...I am never hungry, have absolutely no cravings....I find your detailed explanations really helpful.Thanks for everything you do!!

[lesworks]

When I was in school in the early 90s (dietitian) I was clearly taught brain and nerve cells prefer glucose as fuel. During the era when they started upping CHOs for for diabetes and relying fully on erogenous insulin. Retired by a decade, I literally have had to unlearn so much since then.

[nancyarchibald]

Whenever I get deep into ketosis via low-carb eating, I get this brain surge of focusing on the tasks at hand and the tasks on the back burners. I will clean out reorganize, improving our home centers, closets, sewing rooms, and many other cluttered places. I love it!! ❤️ 🏡 😊

[CarnivoreScott]

Thank you Professor Bikman! I really appreciate your dedication to bring knowledge to the masses. I know your content is forever pushing the boundary of my ignorance back, it seems a never ending task. So again thank you for all you, and your team are doing. More informed patients is how the medical establishment will come to know these things you are teaching. I feel for Dr's and medical professionals as they are in a very tightly controlled line of business. It isn't only the customers (patients) they are trying to keep alive and or well, but the hospital administrators, investors, Big Pharma, Insurance, and of course the legal community. With so many pressures and so much at risk I can see how one would be required to stand on the platform of "Standard of Care." It's sad, but like my ignorance none the less true. All this to say thank you for helping us in the battle to secure better health.

[englander]

Thankyou for the excellent video. There are a lot of recommendations to take coconut oil and MCT oil. But it's unclear to what degree these oils are converted to keytones for people who have elevated insulin levels. If you could do a companion video to this one to clarify MCT oil and keytones that would help a lot.

[enzogaibisso]

When I first heard Ben spoke, I was so excited. His knowledge is so incredible.I have re-watched pretty much all of his videos. I can’t get enough. The condition of the blood is truly life altering. I’m a carnivore for over 5 years. Thank you for your service. God bless

[MoGraceu-og]

Ketone-IQ Pre-Workout: I take the 35 mL dose 30 mins before my 1 hr workout with a trainer. They boost my energy, mood and suppress my appetite for 2 to 4 hours. I usually take them fasted or after my decaf coffee with MCT oil depending on when I am going to the gym. I am a 74 yr female who is recovering from prediabetes & insulin resistance - thanks to you and a low carb diet!

[KirstiCheetahh]

Hi doc! I love your lessons! I have been eating keto/carnivore/cheesovore for 2 1/2 years to get rid of tendon pains, burning pain in my feet, fatty diarrhea. Great results! Woman, 54, LMHR, BMI 18.5, play tennis fasted, retired, no stress. One problem persists: insomnia since early childhood, very active brain. It takes at least 2 hours to fall asleep and after a few hours of sleep I wake up and can not get back to sleep. I think I get low glycemia and high cortisol in the middle of the night. My liver seems slow in making glucose and ketones. Yesterday I took a teaspoon of MCT oil (70% C8 / 30% C10) in my yogurt at 8 pm (2 hours before bed). I have slept the whole night without waking up 😃 I hope this will continue.

[gonefishing]

I work for our State Court system I’m on call 24 hr…if I’m called out during the night, which is very normal, sometimes when my sleep is interrupted early in the night usually around midnight I wake quite “addled “. I take a ketone “shot” as soon as I get up by the time I arrive at the scene of my call out, I find my head clear fully prepared to deal with the load of detailed paperwork required