What gut type do YOU have? From toxic to stressed experts reveal the five different stomach types and what you should eat or avoid for optimum health

From nutritionists and bloggers to doctors and authors, most experts agree that good health begins in the gut.

But according to the author of a new book Eat Dirt, Dr Josh Axe, not only does good health stem from our stomachs, but we should also be aware of our gut type and how to treat them.

From stressed to toxic, FEMAIL takes a closer look at the different gut types, and finds out what to eat and what to avoid to achieve the ideal balance.

Five types: According to a new book by the US-based author, Dr Josh Axe, there are five different types of gut

CANDIDA

If you have a candida gut type, you are likely to be eating a diet that is high in sugar. 

You could also be overusing antibiotics, birth control pills or eating an excess of cold foods such as smoothies, salads and dairy products.

Symptoms of a candida gut include unexpected weight gain, a slow metabolism, loose stools and exhaustion.

Many people also experience cravings, bad breath, brain fog, joint pain, gas and bloating as a result of this type.

According to Dr Axe, there are many ways in which you can counteract a candida gut.

These include avoiding the causes (smoothies, pills and cold food), and instead replacing them with broths, soups, herbal teas, kimchi and baked fruit.

While he does say in an ideal world, candida gut sufferers would avoid caffeine and alcohol, he says that by eating garlic (which boosts your immune system) and grapefruit, you reduce the likelihood of candida. 

Strike right: From stressed to toxic, FEMAIL takes a closer look at the different variations, and finds out what to eat and what to avoid to achieve the ideal balance

Candida gut: If you have a candida gut, you are quite possibly eating a diet that is high in sugar and cold foods such as salads and smoothies - instead, up your garlic (pictured) intake, and cut down the caffeine

IMMUNE

As the most extreme form of leaky gut, symptoms of this stomach type include inflammatory bowel diseases and IBS.

Causes include food allergies and intolerances, especially to gluten or dairy products.

When it comes to answers, some people might be sad to hear that an elimination diet is the only answer. 

Dr Axe recommends keeping a food diary to find out which foods are the problem, and then he says that the problem food must be cut entirely from your diet.

He also says that bone broth is a great healer, and that coconut oil is - as always - a great addition to your kitchen cupboard.

Why not boil up some chicken with water, onions and garlic overnight and reap the benefits when it comes to your health?

Immune gut: For sufferers of IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases, you might have immune gut - boil up a bone broth overnight and cut the problem foods in your diet by keeping a diary 

TOXIC

If your stomach is toxic, you know you're in trouble. 

From inflammatory skin conditions including rosacea, as well as gall bladder disease, the symptoms for this gut type are obvious and causes include eating an excess of fatty food.

Treatment entails eating foods that are high in fibre and foods that support your liver and gall bladder.

Think dark green leafy vegetables and green fruits, juices and wheatgrass for the most part.

Cut down on dairy and fatty foods (yes, even avocado and other healthy fats), and take turmeric to aid your liver. 

Toxic tummy: Toxic stomachs are characterised by rosacea, gall bladder disease and an excess of fatty foods - eat dark green leafy vegetables (pictured) and focus on green fruits, juices and wheatgrass 

STRESSED

The 'stressed' stomach type is another common problem for today's overworked generation.

Characterised by a low sex drive, muscle weakness, poor focus, allergies and insomnia, sufferers of a stressed stomach might find it impossible to switch off according to Dr Axe.

Other than dealing with your source of dress, Dr Axe advocates cutting down on stimulants. These might be caffeine, alcohol, sugar and grains, which trigger an inflammatory response in the gut.

Instead, try herbal teas, vitamin B-rich foods like grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon and yoghurt and kefir. 

Purple cabbage, berries, nuts, pumpkin and avocado also help with this gut type. 

Stressed stomach: For anyone with a stressed stomach, you might pick up on the signs by noticing a low sex drive, muscle weakness, allergies and insomnia - up your avocado (pictured) and increase your vitamin B

GASTRIC

Last but not least is the gastric gut.

For anyone who regularly feels bloated or suffers from acid reflux after eating, as well as frequent gas, these might be the signals to tell you that your stomach as gastric.

Instead of eating three big meals, eat lightly and frequently - small portions are better for those with a gastric gut.

Also, try sipping warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before you eat to lower the pH in your stomach, and only drink between meals rather than during, as this can water down stomach acid and hinder digestion.

Lastly, reduce your coffee intake and avoid processed foods whenever you can.

Opt for fruit and veg, and chew them thoroughly before swallowing.

Avoid eating when you're stressed as it's not good for this type.

If you're still not sure which camp you fall into, take Dr Axe's quiz here to find out which type you are. 

You can buy his book, Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Guy May Be The Root Cause of your Health Problems, here. 

Gastric gut: The gastric gut is often the type of people who regularly feel bloated or have acid reflux after eating - eat lightly and frequently instead of three big meals and make sure you chew thoroughly