Some TikTok users are suggesting that specific food and drink combinations from fast food spots, like McDonald’s, might help alleviate migraines. However, medical professionals are quick to offer alternative headache relief methods.
Migraines are often characterized by intense throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head, as described by the Mayo Clinic. Other common symptoms can include nausea, sensitivity to light, and sound, and these episodes can last for hours or even days, seriously impacting daily life.
New McDonald’s Combo Gains Popularity
A popular TikTok video, which has received over three million views, features a woman in a McDonald’s drive-thru enjoying a soda and fries. The video suggests that this combination may have benefits.
In particular, some users highlight ordering a large Coca-Cola and fries—this duo has humorously been dubbed “McMigraine” by Dr. Brintha Vasagar, who spoke with Fox News Digital about its potential pain-relieving properties.
Doctors caution that although this viral food hack might alleviate some symptoms, it’s not a full treatment.
Dr. Vasagar explains that caffeine and the carbonation of Coke could be part of the reason it works. Certain over-the-counter migraine remedies also often contain caffeine, which can help constrict blood vessels, potentially providing relief for some individuals. Additionally, the carbonation may help with nausea commonly associated with migraines.
Also, the combination of salty fries might help with electrolyte balance and dehydration, which are known migraine triggers. Furthermore, she mentions the comfort aspect—many find fast food nostalgic and, thus, soothing during painful episodes.
A few TikTok users, including someone who works in neurology, have claimed that neurological experts typically recommend this remedy to their patients. Some even argue that only regular Coca-Cola—not diet versions—works effectively for migraines.
Despite the anecdotal support, Dr. Vasagar emphasizes that there is no scientific evidence specifically backing this cola remedy for migraines. Instead, she believes its effectiveness might come from the psychological comfort derived from indulging in familiar comfort food.
Not a Cure-All
Importantly, doctors point out that this food hack isn’t a preventive measure. It won’t guarantee that a migraine won’t strike again, regardless of how often you indulge in McMigraine. In fact, consuming too much cola and fries could potentially worsen the problem for some.
“Triggers for migraines vary,” Vasagar notes, so what helps one person may not help another. Dr. Tania Elliott, a physician specializing in allergies and internal medicine, suggests a more holistic approach—staying hydrated and incorporating some caffeine from sources like green tea may be more beneficial. She also warns that the combination of fries and diet cola might lead to unhealthy outcomes without addressing the underlying causes of migraines.
