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Reducing carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta, could better kickstart your immune system to fight disease.

One of its components - glucose - interferes with some of the bodys immune cells.

The simple sugar is generated when we digest carbs, and as well as being vital for energy its also important in cell division and growth.

However, in some cases it can stop the immune system working properly, and therefore help drive disease.

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Research by Trinity College Dublin discovered that when certain cells are starved of glucose, they stimulated the immune system.

Research by Trinity College Dublin discovered that when certain cells are starved of glucose, they stimulated the immune system.

These dendritic cells are the part of the immune system that monitors our body for signs of danger.

When they arent given of glucose, they push the immune systems T lymphocytes into action.

The latter work on the front line against infection and tumours.

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Indeed, they are what directly fight cancer and inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and heart problems.

There are other immune cells, however, which become dysfunctional if they're starved of glucose.

This is because when responding to infection they have a high demand for it.

The research outlines how various cells may interact with glucose differently.

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The study authors believe the new findings could open up new approaches to treating cancers and immune-related conditions.

David Finlay, lead researcher, said: It is becoming clear that glucose is an important signaller in our immune system, in that cells that have access to glucose behave very differently to those that do not.

We have discovered that dendritic cells are actually better at stimulating immune responses when starved of glucose, which is not the case for any of the other immune cells that have been analysed.

The discovery that T cells and dendritic cells compete with each other for glucose offers a new and exciting insight into how glucose can regulate dendritic cell function.

More:
Arthritis cure: Ditching THIS from your diet could ease symptoms - Express.co.uk

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