What is the difference between a food allergy & food intolerance?

A food allergy is the mistaken identity of a food as a threat to the body by the immune system. A food intolerance however, is caused by a problem an underlying problem within the digestive system. Unlike food allergies, which can cause life-threatening symptoms, food intolerance involves mostly unpleasant digestive disorders. For example, if you suffer with an intolerance to milk it is most likely the protein called lactose in that is in the milk that your body cannot tolerate. This is due to an enzyme deficiency in the gut, which prevents the breakdown of the lactose. This can lead to upset bowels and cramps, bloating and very loose (if not liquid) stools.