Unusual Migraine Remedy Goes Viral

There’s been a lot of chatter on TikTok about a particular McDonald’s combo that folks claim helps ease their migraines.

The so-called “migraine meal” consists of a large Coca-Cola and a portion of large fries. Interestingly, many migraine sufferers online are swearing by this combination.

A viral video, which has garnered over 3 million views, features a young woman at a McDonald’s drive-thru. The video captions say, “Trying McDonald’s fries and a Diet Coke because I’ve had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.”

The comments section is filled with people supporting this remedy.

One commenter wrote, “I know it’s just the salt and caffeine, but every time I have a migraine or even one coming on, I get a Coke and fries, and it’s immediately cured.” Another added, “It’s my go-to! I take my migraine meds, sip a Diet Coke, and as my pain goes away, I crave salt…”

However, not everyone agrees on the specifics. One person suggested, “Not Diet Coke!!! Full sugar Coke + ibuprofen + something salty.”

Another user expressed confusion, stating, “Diet Coke works on headaches; I don’t understand it, considering a coffee makes it worse.”

While it’s crucial to approach any “hack” related to health cautiously, this one seems to have some merit.

Caffeine, like that found in Coke, is known to have pain-relieving properties, especially when combined with other medications like ibuprofen. Dr. David Walker, MD, noted, “We know caffeine can help migraines in short-term therapy. So, it makes sense that the caffeine in Coca-Cola could be beneficial.”

Interestingly, salty foods often get a bad rap, but in this case, fries might actually help. Some studies suggest that migraines can be linked to mineral deficiencies, including sodium. Thus, the salt in fries could serve as an electrolyte source.

It’s essential to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently, and migraines are unique to each person, so this “hack” may not work for everyone.

Indulging in this meal occasionally might not be a terrible idea if it offers relief from headaches. However, it’s best not to make frequent McDonald’s trips a regular habit.

Dr. Matthew Robbins emphasized, “If someone finds they improve with this hack, that’s great for them. But if they’re using it often, that’s not good for you either.”