I haven't always had 8 either. I'm lucky if I make 6. I don't eat that much...so I don't get hungry much either. I'm trying to aim for 8 now. I thought it was mostly for the energy, but my friend just told me today that it's to loosen everything. and...I skipped the SWF (Salt-Water-Flush) for two days...sunday because i was sick...and yesterday because I had to work (and it's a 30 minute drive to work...plus I woke up late). Yesterday I had the lax. tea instead. If you think of the salt water as just warm chicken broth, it's easier to stomach - though I'm sure you wont be able to stomach chicken soup again :P