Experts Say Curing Migraines Might Be as Simple as Grabbing a Meal from McDonald’s

Experts suggest that a specific combo from McDonald’s might help alleviate migraine symptoms.

This follows a video of a woman trying what was called the McMigraine meal – touted as a remedy for headaches – becoming widely popular online.

Since then, hundreds of TikTok Users have verified that the meal, comprising a big Coke and French fries, can alleviate migraine symptoms 'right away'.

Although it might be a stretch to hail the sweet and salty combination as a miracle cure, the claim appears to have some truth to it.

Professor Amanda Ellison, who specializes in neuroscience at Durham University, stated The Times Caffeine, intricate sugars, salt, and carbs can all assist in easing the signs of a harsh headache.

Many headaches occur due to dilation of blood vessels near the brain to boost oxygen supply; however, caffeine can constrict these blood vessels, as Ms Ellison pointed out.

She stated: "Sugar is beneficial since typically, regardless of the type of pain, including migraines, your blood glucose levels fluctuate wildly along with your hormone balances and electrolyte levels... This is commonly observed in individuals who experience migraines well before the onset of actual pain."

TikTok user @MillyHancockk's video went viral after she put the theory to the test.

She labeled the video: "Tasting McDonald's fries and a Diet Coke since I’ve been dealing with a headache for 48 hours and TikTok suggested it might alleviate it."

In the caption, she wrote: "I can verify that it functions" accompanied by a laughing crying emoji.

The TikToker, whose video has garnered almost 4 million views, attracted swarms of commenters, with many confirming that the hack also worked effectively for them.

A commenter mentioned: "As someone working in neurology, our headache specialist explicitly suggests this to clients."

Another addition reads: "I understand it’s merely the combination of salt and caffeine, but whenever I experience a migraine or feel one approaching, I grab a Coke and some fries, and instantly feel better."

A third person clarified: "Basically, Coke and fries ease headaches as caffeine constricts blood vessels, sugar increases blood glucose levels, and the salty carbohydrates restore electrolyte balance."

Some proposed minor adjustments to the hack.

'A fan of Diet Coke with migraines noted, "Being into Diet Coke isn’t enough for me; I require the real thing—regular Coke," they stated.'

'The person who said Diet Coke would do the trick probably meant you should go for some full-fat, salty chips instead. It always works,' someone else chimed in.

However, even though eating could potentially alleviate a headache, it’s improbable that individuals experiencing a severe migraine would manage to consume a substantial meal during the peak of their attack, as per Ms Ellison.

Additionally, caffeine, salt, and fast foods might trigger migraines, according to David Walker, a headache specialist from Rush University Medical Center, who spoke with Verywell.

"It's fantastic that this assists specific people. However, I don't believe it should be universally applied since, conversely, greasy food items might bring about headaches," stated Walker.

Migraines vs headaches: How to distinguish between them

Typically, a migraine presents as a moderate or severe headache experienced as pulsating pain on just one side of the head.

This prevalent health issue impacts approximately one in every five women and about one in every 15 men. These typically start during early adulthood.

Several kinds of migraines exist; some come with warnings like seeing flashes of light, whereas others do not.

Certain individuals experience migraines regularly, perhaps multiple times each week, whereas others might go without an attack for years.

You ought to consult a general practitioner if your migraines occur frequently or are particularly intense, categorized by the NHS as happening more than five times per month.

The precise reason for migraines remains unclear, but they're believed to stem from alterations in the chemicals, nerves, and blood vessels within the brain.

Certain individuals with migraines understand that specific triggers such as particular foods, beverages, or stress can bring about or heighten the likelihood of experiencing one.

The NHS states that there is no cure for migraines; however, specific medications and behavioral modifications can help decrease the severity or occurrence of these episodes.

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