The Unexpected Link Between Salt Regulating Hormones and Metabolic Health

We sincerely apologize! During the livestream recording, we experienced some technical difficulties between 07:15 to 08:50. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.com During The Metabolic Classroom lecture this week, Dr. Bikman dives into the intricate relationship between salt- and water-regulating hormones and metabolic health. Starting with a discussion of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), he explains how hormones like angiotensin II, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are not only critical for regulating blood pressure but also significantly impact insulin sensitivity and fat cell dynamics. Angiotensin II promotes insulin resistance by increasing ceramide production, which blocks insulin signaling, while also enlarging fat cells and inhibiting their breakdown. Similarly, aldosterone exacerbates insulin resistance by enhancing ceramide levels and promotes both the growth and multiplication of fat cells. ADH complements these effects, particularly by inhibiting fat breakdown through its action on specific receptors. Ben emphasizes the counterintuitive finding that salt restriction, often prescribed to manage hypertension, can worsen insulin resistance, particularly in individuals with metabolic vulnerabilities. Studies highlight that reducing salt intake leads to increased fasting insulin levels, impaired glucose metabolism, and unfavorable lipid changes, such as reduced HDL cholesterol. Additionally, he warns that dehydration, much like salt restriction, activates these same hormonal pathways, compounding their metabolic effects. Dr. Bikman concludes with a reminder that interventions aimed at improving blood pressure should consider their broader metabolic implications, particularly for individuals predisposed to insulin resistance. Show Notes/References: For complete show notes and references referred to in this episode, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman Insider subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben, ad-free Metabolic Classroom Podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.com Timestamps: (approximate) (01:13) Overview of Salt- and Water-Regulating Hormones (02:22) How Angiotensin II Influences Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance (06:37) The Metabolic Effects of Angiotensin II on Fat Cells (11:22) Aldosterone’s Role in Insulin Resistance and Fat Cell Growth (15:57) Metabolic Impacts of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) (29:02) The Counterintuitive Effects of Salt Restriction on Metabolic Health (33:13) The Role of Dehydration in Activating Metabolic Hormones (34:51) Conclusion: How Blood Pressure Hormones Influence Metabolic Health #MetabolicHealth #InsulinResistance #Hypertension #SaltAndHealth #BloodPressure #HormonesAndHealth #DrBenBikman #MetabolicSyndrome #LowCarbLife #Type2Diabetes #KetoLife #HealthyLifestyle #NutritionScience #MetabolismMatters #HealthEducation #FatCellBiology #InsulinSensitivity #SaltIntake #Dehydration #HealthTips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.