Welcome to Better Kaul Vakil
Better Kaul Vakil is my personal initiative, born out of a deep desire to help combat chronic diseases and inspire positive health transformations.
As a kidney specialist practicing in Central Minnesota, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and an unwavering support system—none more important than my wife and children. My journey is driven by the hope of creating a healthier, better world for them. I've come to realize that by improving the lives of others, we ultimately improve our own. It’s not about monetary gains, but rather cultivating the confidence to take control of our health.
Hypertension runs through my family, and throughout medical school, I assumed it was my genetic fate. I relied on medication to manage my condition. But in 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I woke up one morning unable to walk. I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune condition that led to two weeks in the hospital and months of rehabilitation.
During that challenging time, my passion for art became a lifeline. My therapist encouraged me to pick up painting again, which helped me regain not only my physical strength but also my confidence. Today, I am healthier than ever—leaner, stronger, and free of both hypertension and medication.
I believe art is a profound form of communication, connecting us through our senses. When we truly engage with the world and people around us, we all grow. Art surrounds us, offering opportunities to learn and inspire. And I now believe that anyone can create art. It's not about talent; it's about the courage to try, grow, and, in doing so, enhance our overall well-being.
The way I approach art is accessible and economical, and I hope it inspires you to explore your own creativity. Thank you for taking the time to experience my work.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your health or medical care. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and creative practices and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
The kidneys are important for filtering water-soluble substances in your body. As you get older, your water percentage usually decreases due to less lean muscle mass.
A vast majority of this water is housed inside cells and we are made of up trillions of cells. However, a small fraction of our water flows through our blood vessels, this is what the kidneys have access to to keep clean.
Water leaves cells, gets cleaned in kidneys by filters called glomeruli. Kidneys have many glomeruli, about 1 million in each. A tiny bit of blood's water is filtered repeatedly, eventually cleansing all body water.
Podocytes are cell that are a key component of the filter. Podocytes are small cells that develop projections when energized , creating a filter by interlocking with neighboring cells. This filter when healthy blocks albumin from being filtered into the urine. The podocytes, like all cells, generate energy by making ATP.
Most of the water filtered by the kidneys doesn't end up urine. Instead, about 99% of it is reabsorbed by the processing tubes connected to each of the 1 million glomeruli. The proximal tubules, which are the tubes located near the glomeruli, are mainly responsible for reclaiming the majority of this water.
A functioning kidney can filter around 60 mL of water per minute. This equals at least 86 liters of water each day. Only 1% of this goes out as urine (860 mL), while the rest needs to go back into the body. Getting this much water back into circulation takes a significant amount of energy. Remember that energy is stored as ATP.
The proximal tubules in the kidneys contain many mitochondria and receive a substantial amount of oxygen-rich blood. This oxygen is crucial for breaking down fat to produce energy (ATP) through a process called aerobic metabolism. Fat provides more energy than other nutrients, yielding 9 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates each provide only 4 calories per gram. This efficient energy production is essential for the function of the proximal tubules
In the kidneys, particularly in the proximal tubules, the mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of the cells) prefer to use fat for energy because these areas get a lot of oxygen. Even though there are enzymes that can break down glucose for energy, the DNA in healthy proximal tubules usually doesn't make these enzymes. Generally, in the body, fat is used as the main fuel in places where there is a lot of oxygen available.
Using the right fuel source in the right location is crucial. If the wrong fuel source is used, then the cells will steal from each other, and inefficiency will develop. This inefficiency may manifest as podocytes that don’t make proper filter barriers. This may lead to excessive albumin leaking through the filter causing pre-mature scarring of the glomeruli.
The theme of this site is that eating more whole food plant based foods takes the guesswork out of getting the proper ratios of nutrients (micro- and macro-) that we need. To embrace this way of eating and make other healthier lifestyle choices, discipline is essential. I’m working to incorporate technology into our daily lives to help use use the various fuels around us more efficiently.