My Dr. wants me to hydrate much more too, he indicated any liquid counts, except alcoholic, which dehydrates. Year ago people said that drinks with caffeine, etc didn't hydrate, but sanity has prevailed.
Likewise, in hospitals the guidance used to be cook everything extra well done. Now guidance has changed, they've recognized that things can be moist, meats on the rarer side, etc. I don't know if the cooks have changed their way of doing things, but I've seen the guidance and they could cook far better tasting food if they're following the new guidance. Fortunately I haven't been in the hospital much after they received that guidance, so I really don't know.
I've not been much of a drinker since becoming a senior, but on occasion I love a good drink, I don't believe it to be that harmful, just not hydrating.
Gary
Bullish