Squash

Technically a fruit, winter squash is cooked like a root vegetable and includes butternut, pumpkin, acorn, delicata, Hubbard, and spaghetti squash. Summer squashes are more tender and include zucchini and yellow squash.

Squash is a good source of essential nutrients for health like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C and B6.

• Squash is a good source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants
• Squash is versatile and can be served sautéed, roasted, and pureed
• Winter squash can be served as a meal bowl baked with a protein/vegetable or soup

Squash varieties are generally low in sodium and phosphorus but high in potassium. The amount of potassium you can have each day will depend on your stage of kidney disease or the type of treatment you receive.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/Transplant

Squash is fine for earlier stages of CKD and kidney transplant when potassium is well-managed without dietary restriction.

Hemodialysis (3 times/week)

With concern for potassium levels, consider having squash in small amounts.

Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis

Squash can be a good choice for many peritoneal and home hemodialysis patients when you may need to eat more potassium-rich foods.

Kidney Stones

Eating squash will not have an effect on forming kidney stones.

A food that is considered “high-potassium” generally has 200 mg or more potassium per serving.

Instructions

1. Clean the squash with tap water

2. Cut squash lengthwise

3. Clear out seeds

4. Cut ¼ inch slices

5. Layout slices on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper

6. Season with pepper

7. Bake for 10 minutes, turn slices, and bake an additional 10 minutes (times may vary based on your oven, so test for doneness, done when fork inserts easily)

Nutrients per serving*: 

Calories............................ 38

Carbohydrates................. 9 g

Protein.............................. 1 g

Dietary Fiber.................... 3 g

Fat.................................... 0.35 g

Sodium............................. 1 mg

Potassium........................ 250 mg

Phosphorus...................... 28 mg

*Can be served as a low potassium food in ¼ cup serving size

Download the National Kidney Foundation’s Fact Sheet: Kidney-Friendly Superfoods: Squash 

*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.