Yes, it’s that time of the year—the beginning of fall harvest, cooler evenings, and soon-to-be leaves turning vibrant colors in celebration of another year passing. Pumpkin becomes a focus from cooking with it, to everything becoming pumpkin flavored.
In thinking of what to do with pumpkin, the question comes up “How does pumpkin fit into a diet for stage 3 CKD?” To answer, I’ve gathered some kidney diet tips facts and figures on pumpkin to share with you.
Pumpkin facts:
- 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.
- Since potassium content is high, people on hemodialysis and others with high potassium levels or prescribed a low potassium diet should limit pumpkin.
- To reduce potassium in fresh pumpkin, as well as potatoes and winter squash, peel and cube pumpkin into pieces and boil for 10 minutes, drain and add fresh water, then boil until softened. Potassium is usually reduced by 1/2 to 2/3 of the original amount.
- Canned pumpkin puree is similar to fresh cooked pumpkin in potassium content, with 250 mg per ½ cup, and most brands do not contain added sodium. In comparison, ½ cup pumpkin pie filling contains 280 mg sodium, 186 mg potassium and 62 mg phosphorus. The pie filling has added salt, sugar, and spices such as allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Prepared, frozen pumpkin pie can vary, but generally contains as much as 350 mg sodium, 250 mg potassium and 100 mg phosphorus for 1/6th of a 9-inch pie.
- Be cautious with dried pumpkin seed kernels: 2 tablespoons contain 131 mg potassium and 200 mg phosphorus. If roasted with salt the sodium can reach as high as 160 mg.
Fitting it in a Kidney Friendly Diet
Pumpkin is a healthy choice for kidney patients in earlier stages of CKD who do not require a potassium restriction. Fresh or low-sodium canned pumpkin puree is the best choice. For patients on a low potassium diet, pumpkin can be included in small amounts. For best results, stick to recipes modified for a kidney-friendly diet to keep potassium, phosphorus and sodium intake in check.
So what can you do with a fresh pumpkin? Cut it up and cook to make pumpkin puree–consider canning your own pumpkin to use throughout the fall holidays. Make a pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread or homemade pumpkin soup. If you had rather, you can always carve your pumpkin it onto a Jack-o-lantern.
Enjoy the following kidney-friendly pumpkin recipes from DaVita.com:
