Pumpkin and kidney diet

A peasant friend sent a fresh pumpkin to my mom's front porch. Yes, it was the time of the year - the beginning of the autumn harvest, the cool nights, and the coming leaves turning bright colors to celebrate the passing of another year.

As we are discussing how to deal with pumpkins, the question arises: "How do pumpkins adapt to the third phase of chronic kidney disease?" Answer: I collected some diet tips and data on pumpkin to share with you.

Pumpkin is an important source of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and potassium. This is a good source of fiber and iron. Half a cup of fresh boiled pumpkin contains 25 calories, 1 gram of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrate, 0 grams of fat, 1 milligram of sodium, 37 milligrams of phosphorus, 280 milligrams of potassium and 1.3 grams of fiber.

Due to the high level of potassium, hemodialysis and hyperkalemia crowd or low potassium diet should limit the pumpkin.

To reduce the potassium in fresh pumpkins, potatoes and winter bamboo shoots, cut into small pieces and soak in a large basin of warm water for more than 2 hours. Another way is to cook small slices of pumpkin for 10 minutes, drain, add fresh water and then boil until cooked. Potassium usually reduces the original 1/3 to 1/2.

Canned pumpkin contains a similar amount of potassium as fresh cooked pumpkin and contains 250 mg per ½ cup, with most brands free of added sodium. In contrast, ½ cup squash pie contains 280 milligrams of sodium, 186 milligrams of potassium and 62 milligrams of phosphorus. Pies are made with salt, sugar and spices such as allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon.

The prepared frozen pumpkin cake contains about 350 milligrams of sodium, 250 milligrams of potassium and 100 milligrams of phosphorus for 1/6 of a 9-inch cake.

Pumpkin kernels are unfriendly to the kidneys: 2 tablespoons contain 228 mg potassium and 332 mg phosphorus. If roasted with salt, sodium from 5 mg to 160 mg.

Pumpkin is a healthy choice for those with kidney disease at an early stage of CKD that does not require potassium limitation. Fresh or low sodium canned pumpkin is the best choice. For patients with low-potassium diet, pumpkin may be included in small quantities. For best results, stick with recipes modified to a kidney-friendly diet to maintain potassium, phosphorus and sodium intake.

So what can you do with fresh pumpkin? Cut it into small pieces and make a pumpkin - consider making your pumpkin with your own pumpkin on a fall holiday. Make a pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread or homemade pumpkin soup. If you prefer, you can always engrave your pumpkin on the Jack light.