By Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro

I’ve talked about ketones for years—but this podcast with Dr. Ben Bikman dives deep into the real science behind why ketones aren’t just another fitness buzzword. They’re a biological fuel source your body was designed to use. And if you’re not tapping into that power, you’re leaving performance, clarity, and longevity on the table.

Let’s break it down.

 

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Glucose vs. Ketones: What Fuels You Best?

Most of us are running on sugar—glucose. But your body was made to run more efficiently on ketones, especially beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Dr. Bikman explains that while glucose spikes insulin and can drive inflammation, ketones are clean fuel. They don’t trigger insulin, and they help the body become metabolically flexible—able to switch between fat and glucose for energy.

Why does this matter? Because high insulin isn’t just about diabetes. It’s about brain fog, fat gain, and chronic disease. According to Bikman, over 93% of Americans have some form of metabolic dysfunction, often driven by constant carb fueling.

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Ketones and Brain Power

This one hit home. Dr. Bikman shared how the brain prefers ketones over glucose in many scenarios, especially under stress or during fasting. In studies, BHB improves mental clarity, memory recall, and even mood.

There’s a reason Alzheimer’s is being called Type 3 Diabetes—it’s rooted in insulin resistance in the brain. Ketones bypass that broken system and deliver the energy your neurons need.

Dr. Bikman cited research showing ketones increase BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which supports learning, memory, and even neuroprotection. In short: ketones help your brain stay sharp and protected against aging.

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BHB: The Body’s Super Fuel

BHB is more than just an energy molecule—it’s a signaling molecule. That means it tells your body to do things like:

• Reduce inflammation (by blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome)

• Burn more fat

• Boost mitochondrial function

• Improve muscle preservation during caloric deficits or fasting

Dr. Bikman emphasized that BHB works independent of diet. You don’t have to go strict keto to see benefits—exogenous ketones can raise BHB levels in your blood within 30 minutes and start shifting your metabolism toward fat oxidation.

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Performance and Recovery: Ketones in the Gym

I’ve personally seen the benefits of using ketones in training. What Dr. Bikman explains is that ketones provide a stable, long-burning fuel that doesn’t crash. That means more consistent energy during lifts, endurance sessions, and even during tournaments or long competitions.

Research cited in the podcast shows that ketone supplementation improved recovery markers, reduced perceived exertion, and preserved lean muscle mass during cut phases.

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Ketones and Longevity

One of the most exciting parts of this conversation was the longevity angle. Elevated ketones are associated with increased autophagy (cellular cleanup), reduced oxidative stress, and better insulin sensitivity—all markers of extended lifespan.

As Dr. Bikman pointed out, some of the longest-living populations in the world regularly undergo periods of fasting or carbohydrate restriction—naturally raising ketone levels.

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Why goBHB Matters

Not all ketones are created equal. goBHB® is the gold standard for exogenous ketones—it’s bioidentical, clinically studied, and fast-acting. You can find it in products ranging from fat burners to brain health to endurance support.

It’s what I trust in my own supplement stack and in formulas we develop, because the science is there—and people feel the difference.

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Final Thoughts

We’re only scratching the surface of what ketones can do. Whether your goal is fat loss, brain power, or living longer and stronger—ketones are the missing link most people are ignoring.

You don’t need to go zero-carb. You just need to use the fuel your body was built for.

Watch the full conversation with Dr. Ben Bikman here: https://youtu.be/TywW4F1cRbg

 

If you want to feel the difference, try a product with goBHB and track your energy, focus, and recovery. You’ll never go back.