One of the best things you can do for your health -- getting enough regular exposure to sunshine on your uncovered skin so your body can produce optimal amounts of vitamin D -- can greatly reduce your risks of developing serious autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).

A lack of sunlight was identified as a risk factor for MS as early as 1922.

Within the United States, you are roughly twice as likely to develop MS if you spent your childhood in northern states than if you did so in more southerly states. The "cutoff" age appears to be 15; your likelihood of developing MS remains higher if you lived as a child in a less sunny climate, even if you move farther south (or to a higher altitude) as an adult.

Vitamin D has been shown to positively affect MS patients by changing the status of chemicals called cytokines, which modulate the immune system and can either fight or increase inflammation. One study found that sunlight exposure reduced the death rate from MS by as much as 76 percent! 

As easy as it is to get a healthy amount of sunshine in the summer, it can be equally as difficult to do during the winter. Before you turn to cod liver oil or an oral supplement, however, I don't advise taking either one unless you have your blood levels monitored regularly.

You might want to view my recent video on how tanning can be used for vitamin D if you follow these simple precautions.

On Vital Votes, reader Nick from Queens, New York has personal experience with the effectiveness of vitamin D:

"Absolutely! Vitamin D is one of the major factors in reducing your risk for MS. And that's coming from someone who had heavy MS and then kicked its butt!"

Other responses to this article can be viewed at Vital Votes, and you can add your own thoughts or vote on comments by first registering at Vital Votes.