[blueerica]

I don't really think it's a terrible rule of thumb, given the excessive amounts of salt we eat on a regular basis, the diuretics we ingest, and for a wide variety of other reasons. Those who get the kidney issues are usually drinking water by the gallons in a day, and within a very short period of time. 8 8-oz glasses of water a day is hardly near that. It's really a rule to get those who might be otherwise ignoring these thirst signs to drink some water. Water marathons are bad news, and no one has come close to suggesting that... not even the 8x8 proponents

Gradually adding more water is the healthiest way to add water to a diet, which can, at least temporarily, stave off hunger for those who are wanting to munch munch munch all day long (such as myself). Adding water at dinner tends to help me not eat as much, making me less likely to go back to the Clean Plate Club.

While I don't drink water because of any 8x8 rules, or thirst signals, I think it's a bit silly to get all riled up about it... It's a pretty negative signal to send to people who are just trying to find ways to be healthier and do things differently than they had been, and 64 ounces is hardly dangerous.