Do they help get in the 64 oz of water we need?

According to my Doctor your protein drinks count towards the 64oz of fluids.

Junior guru, thanks foe that bit of infromation.

I think every Dr is different because mine says no. She says theres so much crammed into a protein shake that theres not really any "liquid" left.

In the beginning - right after surgery I would say counting it would be absolutely fine, but eventually 64 ounces should come directly from water, decaff tea, crystal light etc.

My doctor counts shakes as your 64 too but personally i don't "feel" hydrated from a shake if that makes sense.

They absolutely count as do all solids that return to liquid form like jello, pudding, the water you add to make hot cereal, popsicles. Anything that starts with a water base. I mix my protein powder with 8 oz water, count the water only beause about 1/4 to 1/2 cup are the solids.

You are so right as I found doing research about fluid intake from food sources in relation to congestive heart failure and monitiring fluid intake. Plain truth is our bodies obsorb fluids not only from liquids, but also from food items that are prepared using fluids.