I'm a neurologist and this is why the McDonald's hack for a migraine works a trick
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WHEN a migraine hits, most of us make a beeline for a dark room and hope the painkillers kick in fast.
But what if popping into a Maccies could help stave off your throbbing headache?
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Dr Jessica Lowe explained that an order from Maccies may help some people stop their migraines
Credit: Instagram
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A Coke and fries contain a key blend of caffeine, salt and carbs
Credit: Getty
According to neurologist Dr Jessica Lowe, a large Coke and chips could "miraculously make your migraine go away" due to a few key ingredients.
Know as the "McDonald's migraine hack", the US-based specialist said the trick "is relatively well known" to people who frequently suffer from migraines.
In a now viral video posted to TikTok and Instagram, Dr Lowe - who suffers from migraine attacks herself - broke down just why the hack might work for some people.
"I'm a neurologist with migraines. Ain't that ironic?" she said in the clip.
"The order is a large Coke and a large order of fries. And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away.
"This can be easily explained."
The hack's efficacy comes down to caffeine, salt and carbs, the neurologist said.
"So, first of all, a large Coke from McDonald's has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it."
That amount of caffeine alone "is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks", Dr Lowe claimed.
According to The Migraine Trust, caffeine may help stop a migraine attack for some people, while for others it may trigger it - so whether or not a large Cola eases your headache will very much depend on the person.
I battled mystery headaches for ten years - doctors thought I'd had a stroke but it was something much rarer
"Also, McDonald's is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around," Dr Lowe went on.
"Salts, electrolytes. Easy."
Some people may find that electrolytes - such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium - can help ease migraines, as dehydration can trigger the headache.
"And then of course, fries or carbs," Dr Low said.
Signs of a migraine
A migraine usually feels like a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on one side.
You may get other symptoms just before a migraine, such as: Feeling very tired and yawning a lot
Craving certain foods or feeling thirsty
Changes in your mood
A stiff neck
Peeing more
You may also get warning signs you're about to have a migraine - called an aura - such as: Problems with your sight, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights
Numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles
Feeling dizzy
Difficulty speaking
Source: NHS
"A lot of people have migraines that are provoked by hunger or just their glucose starting to drop, so those carbs are certainly gonna help out in that department."
However, the doctor did point out that the McDonald's migraine hack may not be the healthiest road to go down - it is fast food after all and you'd do well not to resort to it too often.
She said "Are there healthier ways to accomplish this? Yes.
"Fun fact one tablet of Excedrin has I think 60 to 65 milligrams of caffeine in it.
"The dose is typically two, so that'll put you between 120 and 130 milligrams of caffeine.
"That's an easy way to get the caffeine components of this cocktail."
Excedrin is an over-the-counter headache pain reliever.
Anadin or Soldadeine are UK equivalents that contain caffeine.
If you're after a dose of electrolytes, Dr Lowe advised you "chug a Gatorade" instead of a fizzy drink.
"This will likely also help with hydration in addition to the electrolytes," she added.
"So two birds, one stone.
As for a dose of carbs, the neurologist said: "It's probably not difficult to find a carbohydrate that is healthier than deep fried potatoes, so go for gold.
"But with that being said, you know, we are all human, and when you are feeling unwell, sometimes you just want some comfort food.
"I get it. Not knocking the hack, just don't make a habit of it," Dr Lowe advised.
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