Stopping to smell the roses and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your face isn’t just good for your stress level -- it’s necessary for your health. While many Americans feel that they are getting their necessary levels of vitamin D by consuming vitamin-D-fortified foods such as milk, studies have shown that there are very few foods that actually have the necessary amounts of vitamin D, even when fortified, to support our bodies’ health needs.

What Is Vitamin D?

Despite the name, vitamin D is not a regular vitamin, but rather a steroid hormone that the body is designed to obtain primarily through sun exposure. This essential hormone, which is also nicknamed “the sunshine vitamin,” is credited with helping the body fight infections -- including colds and influenza -- by regulating the expression of genes that influence the immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D also helps our bones absorb calcium, and maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis.

Why Is Vitamin D So Important?

Maintaining an optimal level of vitamin D can also protect against the following diseases:

Cardiovascular Disease: Vitamin D reduces hypertension, atherosclerotic heart disease, and may reduce risks for heart attack and stroke.

Autoimmune Diseases: Vitamin D is an immune modulator and may help prevent autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) or inflammatory bowel disease.

Infections, Including Influenza: Because of vitamin D’s role in activating the body’s immune system, maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D can help with the ability to block and heal from a wide range of infections, including influenza.