Pumpkins, Squash and All Things Fall – Kidney Community Kitchen (2024)
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Submitted by Deirdre Neuman, Reviewed and edited by Dani Renouf, RD MSc
As summer draws to an end and fall begins, winter squash are harvested in abundance. Did you know that pumpkins are a part of the gourd family, which includes cucumber and zucchini?
Gourds (which are really fruits!) are rich in a variety of nutrients, including fibre and antioxidants, which is why it’s important for patients with kidney disease to know which types of gourds they should limit, and which ones they can enjoy.
If the potassium content is more than 400 mg in a 125 mL serving, it is cautioned as a high potassium food choice. Kidney-friendly squashes include yellow crookneck, scallop, and spaghetti. Some that should be enjoyed on occasion in half serving sizes (due to their potassium content) include pumpkin, butternut, acorn, hubbard and zucchini.
Potassium content in 125 mL serving (boiled & drained, unsalted):
Although patients on dialysis need to limit eating pumpkin due to its high potassium content, they can partake in other festivities. Carving a pumpkin is an excellent activity to bring the family together, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there; it is an excellent opportunity to introduce new foods and cooking experiences to kids! On that note, here are some interesting facts to share during Thanksgiving dinner:
Why do we carve pumpkins, anyways? Well, turnips were traditionally carved by Celtic people to ward off evil, but when immigrants arrived in America, they switched over to pumpkins as the supply was bountiful!
Pumpkins are native to central America (hence, the switch from carving turnips to our affectionately-known orange squash today).
Pumpkins belong in the same family as watermelon and cantaloupe.
Although pumpkin is a higher potassium food, in moderation it can be beneficial for your overall health. Pumpkin is packed with nutritional benefits that are great for the renal diet including fiber, Vitamin C and beta-carotene. So go ahead, enjoy this fall delights in moderation today!
Squash can be a good choice for many peritoneal and home hemodialysis patients when you may need to eat more potassium rich foods. Eating squash will not have an effect on forming kidney stones. The National Kidney Foundation wishes to thank its Council on Renal Nutrition (CRN) for the development of this fact sheet.
Choose low-potassium fruits such as apples and applesauce, pineapple, grapes, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, watermelon and honeydew melon, and raspberries. Choose low-potassium vegetables such as lettuce, green beans, cucumbers, asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, peas, squash, zucchini, and radishes.
Pumpkin seeds are excellent for kidney health. They are high in essential nutrients that may help protect the kidneys. These tiny seeds are high in antioxidants, which may help reduce progression of chronic kidney disease. They also contain essential minerals which keep your kidneys healthy.
Arugula provides vitamin K, manganese, and calcium, all of which are important for bone health. This nutritious green also contains nitrates, which can lower blood pressure — an important benefit for those with kidney disease. One cup (20 g) of raw arugula contains : sodium: 5 mg.
Despite the nutritional benefits of potato tuber, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should limit the consumption because of its high potassium content.
Winter squash is high in potassium with ranges from 250-445 mg, 17-46 mg phosphorus and 0-14 mg sodium for 1/2 cup cooked squash. The exception is spaghetti squash, the only low potassium winter squash with only 91 mg potassium and 11 mg phosphorus for 1/2 cup cooked.
The doctor may recommend eating foods such as apples, cranberries, strawberries, cabbage, cauliflower, and cucumber. Protein: Though protein is important for your body, more protein makes your kidneys work harder and may worsen kidney disease.
Cucumbers are among the best foods to support kidney health. Here are six reasons why: They're naturally high in water, which helps flush the kidneys and support fluid and electrolyte balance. Their high-water content also makes them a filling food, which can help with weight management and conquering cravings.
If you have kidney disease, you may need to limit your intake of fruits high in potassium, including apricots, bananas, cantaloupes, and dates. Dried fruits are also often high in potassium and carbohydrates, which can increase blood sugar levels if consumed in large amounts (14).
Whole eggs provide a nutrient-dense source of calories to meet the increased energy demands of CKD patients. Additionally, eggs are naturally low in sodium, a nutrient which is restricted in renal diets.
Watermelon is a natural diuretic which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys (unlike alcohol and caffeine). Watermelon helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.
If you have a history of calcium oxalate stones, talk with your doctor or kidney dietitian about the need to limit oxalates. Almonds, mixed nuts without peanuts, and sesame seeds are high in oxalates.
Peanuts contain oxalates, a type of mineral found in kidney stones. In fact, calcium oxalate kidney stones are the leading type of kidney stones, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
Pumpkin is high in potassium, containing up to 564 milligrams of it in a 1-cup serving. Potassium helps your muscles contract, supports healthy blood pressure, and regulates minerals and fluid in your body. However, having too much potassium may cause a serious condition called hyperkalemia.
Pumpkin is a great source of beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), and potassium. It is a good source of fiber and iron. One-half cup of fresh boiled, mashed, pumpkin contains 25 calories, 1 g protein, 5 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat, 1 mg sodium, 37 mg phosphorus, 280 mg potassium and 1.3 g fiber.
Furthermore, pumpkin successfully improved the kidney function of rats which was manifested by amelioration of deteriorated serum creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium levels and this effect is thought to be as a result of the anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties of pumpkin.
Pumpkin is packed with kidney-friendly nutrients like potassium and fiber. Soup is one of our favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin in the fall. This creamy pumpkin soup marries the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar with coconut and that classic pumpkin taste.
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