I don’t regularly lean on electrolyte packets at home. Some are full of sodium or other fillers that aren’t necessarily good for everyone (or necessary at all).
However, since long flights can often lead to dehydration due to the dry air in the cabin and limited access to fluids, I make an exception while traveling. Adequate water levels are needed to perform various critical functions, including digestion.
Plus, when you’re dehydrated, the body tries to conserve water by absorbing food waste in the intestines and colon. This absorption can lead to harder, drier stools that can be difficult to pass, causing constipation.
Sprinkling a pack of electrolyte powder into my water bottle is an easy way to get ahead of dehydration on long flights.