logo
episode-header-image
Oct 15
20m 40s

Ketogenesis & Stress: Can Stress Hormone...

Insulin IQ
About this episode

visit: https://www.benbikman.com

visit: https://insuliniq.com


In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Bikman explores the deep biochemical relationship between stress and ketone production, uncovering how the body interprets stress signals as cues to mobilize fat and create ketones.


He explains how stress hormones—like epinephrine, cortisol, glucagon, and growth hormone—aren’t just emergency signals but actually metabolic adaptation hormones that help the body shift into fat-burning mode. Through the sympathetic nervous system and hormone cascades, the body responds to stress by increasing lipolysis and triggering ketogenesis, even during fasting, exercise, or low-carb eating.


Ben walks through how ketogenesis begins at the level of fat cells and liver mitochondria, and how key molecules like acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate determine whether the body makes glucose or ketones.


Importantly, he clarifies that while stress can trigger positive metabolic shifts, chronic stress without relief can lead to harmful insulin resistance. The takeaway: understanding the difference between acute and chronic stress is key to using this response to your metabolic advantage.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Nov 17
Plant Protein vs Animal Protein: What the Science Really Says
<p>Listen Ad-Free: <a href="https://benbikman.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://benbikman.com</a></p><br><p>In this mini-lecture, Ben explores the biochemical and physiological differences between plant and animal proteins—avoiding environmental or ethical de ... Show More
23m 38s
Nov 10
Why Women Enter Ketosis Faster Than Men - What the Science Reveals
📢 Ask Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind (multilingual):https://benbikman.com/ben-bikmans-digital-ai-mind📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com📢 Become an Insider, Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.comIn this lecture, Dr. Bikman explores how keto ... Show More
26m 55s
Nov 3
How Ketones Help the Brain Recover From Concussions
📢 Ask Dr. Bikman’s Digital Mind: https://benbikman.com/ben-bikmans-digital-ai-mind📢 Dr. Bikman’s Community & Coaching Site, Insulin IQ: https://insuliniq.com📢 Become an Insider, Ben’s website: https://www.benbikman.comIn this mini lecture Dr. Bikman explores how concussions ca ... Show More
18m 33s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
1060-How Stress Alters Hormones, Neurotransmitters & Mental Health
I. Introduction to Stress and Its Impact Stress affects the body's hormonal and neurotransmitter systems. Chronic stress can lead to significant mental health challenges.​ II. Hormonal Responses to Stress Cortisol: Known as the "stress hormone," it increases in response to stress ... Show More
2h 54m
Dec 2023
How WORRY Ruins Your Body (HOW TO STOP IT)
<p>Let’s talk about stress and cortisol. I’ve seen many people get on the right track with their diet and exercise—but they&#39;re still stuck in fight-or-flight mode. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Being in fight-or-flight mode, having elevated cortisol and adrenaline, for a long period is ... Show More
5m 2s
Jan 2025
Beat STRESS with These Scientifically Proven Techniques
<p> Discover five proven methods to manage stress effectively and improve your mental and physical well-being. Learn how breathwork, sauna, yoga, adrenal supplements, and music can help you feel calmer, boost energy, and regain balance in your life.</p> 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS <ol> <li s ... Show More
31m 7s
Mar 2025
Essentials: Boost Your Energy & Immune System with Cortisol & Adrenaline
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how specific hormones influence both energy levels and the immune system and discuss practical tools for increasing energy throughout the day and managing stress. I discuss the mechanism through which cortisol and epinephrine (a ... Show More
36m 8s
Mar 2023
Hormones Case Study on Low T & Cortisol
Stress comes in many different shapes and sizes…   Whether is physical, emotional, or environmental it takes a big toll on our overall health and wellness.   Today I want to share with you a case study that goes over what happens when someone is chronically stressed and specifica ... Show More
19m 17s
Nov 2024
The Missing Link To Your Weight Loss | #328
From practical techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness to adaptogenic herbs, nutritional support, and the importance of building body awareness, Dr. G covers the full spectrum of holistic weight management. Tune in to explore how healing the nervous system can be ... Show More
38m 57s
Feb 2025
Unlock Your Weight Loss: The Surprising Truth About Stress & Your Body
<p><strong>Show Notes</strong></p><p><strong>Summary:</strong></p><p>In this eye-opening episode, Rick explores the complex relationship between stress and weight loss.&nbsp;</p><p>He breaks down how chronic stress affects everything from our metabolism to our sleep patterns, and ... Show More
21m 41s
Dec 2024
These 10 Foods Decrease Cortisol Naturally to Reduce Stress Hormones
Today, I dive deep into the fascinating world of stress-fighting foods that can naturally lower your cortisol levels. As women navigating midlife, managing stress becomes increasingly crucial for our overall well-being and weight management goals. I’ll share my personal strategie ... Show More
15m 14s
Dec 2023
How STRESS Robs You of These Vitamins
<p> Let’s talk about stress and how to take care of your body during chronic stress. Stress can cause deficiencies—these deficiencies can then alter your ability to react to and recover from stress. Chronic stress can be very dangerous to your health. Too much stress can lead ... Show More
8m 25s
Aug 2023
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! Boost Your Natural Energy: How to Support Your Adrenal Glands and Live an Energetic Life
<p>In this Re-Release of Episode 7 on 4/12/23 of the School of Doza podcast, Nurse Doza provides natural energy solutions to listeners. Nurse Doza gives advice on how to boost energy, where to find it, why fatigue might be occurring, and how to better maintain energy. Additionall ... Show More
37m 27s