Inflammation is the body’s innate response to injury or infection, a mechanism to initiate healing and restore balance. When tissues are damaged, the immune system dispatches white blood cells to address the harm, resulting in symptoms like redness, pain, warmth, and swelling. This process, known as acute inflammation, is beneficial, fighting off infectious agents like bacteria and repairing tissue damage.

Similarly, inflammation can arise from an infection such as a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, although it may be less obvious. It is crucial to distinguish between acute inflammation, which is a protective and localized response to injury or infection, and chronic inflammation, which can contribute to disease if left unchecked.

Edema, another form of inflammation, involves the swelling of both legs due to a buildup of extra fluid. Factors like prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather, can exacerbate this condition. Venous insufficiency, where tiny valves in the leg veins weaken, is a common underlying cause.

Certain foods can also provoke inflammatory responses. It’s advisable to limit intake of refined carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, red meat, processed meat, margarine, shortening, and lard to manage or prevent inflammation.

Lymphedema is a specific type of swelling that affects parts of the body such as the arms or legs. It is caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in soft tissues, which is part of the body’s lymphatic system that helps to collect pathogens and waste for filtration by the immune system.

To learn more about inflammation and its effects on the body, visit Harvard Health, Inflammation topics, Edema information, Inflammation dangers, Foods that fight inflammation, Acute and chronic inflammation, and Lymphedema symptoms and causes for detailed insights.