8 Low-Potassium Pumpkin Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat pumpkin on a low potassium diet? ›

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, cut into small pieces and soak in a large pot of warm water to 2 hours or longer.

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!

However, sweet potato contains a lot of potassium, so its intake should be limited. Pecan pie, apple pie and pumpkin pie are popular and delicious Thanksgiving desserts, but renal patients should minimize their intake.

The Bottom Line of Eating Pumpkin Safely with CKD

If you have chronic kidney disease, you can still enjoy pumpkin and/or pumpkin-flavored products! It's important to keep in mind that pumpkin is high in potassium.

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.

Vegetables: 2-3 servings of low-potassium vegetables, such as carrots or corn. Dairy/calcium-rich foods: 1-2 servings of low-potassium choices, such as cottage cheese. Meat/plant-based meat: 3-7 servings of low-potassium choices, such as turkey or shrimp.

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.

Most people with chronic kidney disease need between 60-70 grams of protein a day, which is the amount in about 7 ounces of meat or 10 large eggs. Individual protein needs will vary based on overall calories needs, activity level, and kidney function.

Green leafy vegetables like arugula are full of antioxidants and vital nutrients. It is a particularly good choice since it is low in potassium, which is beneficial for your kidneys, and it helps to lower blood pressure.

Can you have a baked potato on a renal diet? ›

One 4-3/4″ x 2-1/3″ diameter potato with skin contains 1080 mg potassium. That's over half the daily goal for a potassium restricted diet. People withe chronic kidney disease or on dialysis who require a low potassium diet can still eat potatoes by using a technique to reduce potassium.

Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, beta-carotene, and numerous other vitamins and minerals that support the kidneys. They also are high in potassium. Eating potassium-rich foods may help balance sodium levels in the body, reducing strain on the kidneys.

Tuna is a good source of protein for people with kidney disease. When considering tuna, be sure to choose low-sodium canned albacore tuna. Tuna is also low in phosphorus and high in omega-three fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for people with kidney disease.

Beans are in the legume family which includes dried lentils and split peas. Recent research shows the benefits of plant-based foods in the kidney diet. Beans are a great for people with kidney disease to enjoy.

Eat foods that don't have as much potassium. These low-potassium foods include: Fruits such as apples and applesauce, pineapple, grapes, cherries, strawberries, watermelon, honeydew melon, blueberries, and raspberries. Cucumbers, asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, peas, squash, and zucchini.

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and have nine times as much sugar per cup, as well as five times more calories than pumpkin however, they are also higher in fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. Pumpkin, although not as sweet, is clearly the “low-carb” option.