16 Dr. Susan Lark recommends that women who have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease should be monitored more closely while on ERT, or should not use it at all. Indeed, HRT has been shown to increase risk of stroke and heart attack. High levels of LDL and low levels of HDL, and a low HDL to LDL ratio are all correlated with atherosclerosis and increased risk of heart attack. For women in the midst of menopause, and those on ERT or HRT who know they have high cholesterol and triglycerides, herbs and other nutrients that lower cholesterol and serum triglycerides may be used. Selenium Lecithin Shiitake mushrooms Chromium chloride Green tea Of these, cayenne should be used with great care, as it falls under the 'potential poison' category.
Copper needs to be in balance with zinc and selenium.
Dr. S. Hendler says selenium is cumulative and toxic in higher doses, but there is sufficient reason to supplement the diet with 50-200 mcg per day. Reduce saturated fat, which includes all animal fats as well as hydrogenated coconut and palm kernel oils. There is some evidence that non-hydrogenated pure coconut oil and milk have the ability to regulate cholesterol levels. 32 Eliminate all hydrogenated fats, and consume no heated fats or processed oils. Cold-pressed oils have never been heated above 110 degrees during processing.