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West Australian
20-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
What neurologists had to say about McDonald's order going viral for ‘curing' migraines
If you've ever been unfortunate enough to suffer a migraine, you know you'd be prepared to do just about anything to shake it off. According to a viral hack doing the rounds on TikTok, that could be as simple as ordering McDonald's. While not normally associated with promoting health, people are swearing by one particular order at the fast food giant, saying it 'cured' them of throbbing head pain. And there may be some science to back up the claim. Matthew Robbins, a neurologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, says it is not total nonsense, there are reasons it could work for some people — but it was not a cure-all. The so-called 'migraine meal' is a large Coke and a large order of fries. And no, Hungry Jack's or KFC won't do, according to those promoting the hack. Some vary the meal slightly, claiming a cheeseburger or milkshake also has the power to heal a migraine. Dr Robbins told Today he'd heard of the McDonald's hack and many others, including one in which people say their go-to is a warm can of full strength Coke. He warned there was never a 'one size-fits-all approach' to migraine and in fact some people might find the meal triggers an attack. For those who find it works, Amanda Ellison, a neuroscience professor at Durham University, said the caffeine in the Coke acted as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing blood vessels. 'This helps counteract the dilation of blood vessels that occurs during a migraine – a key trigger for pain,' she wrote for The Conversation . 'Meanwhile, the sugar and salt in Coke and fries may help restore balance to blood sugar and electrolytes, both of which can be disrupted during a migraine attack.' Dr Robbins said a non-headache symptom usually happens just before a migraine. 'Most people with migraine experience what we call a prodrome, where there's some non-headache symptom that happens before the headache starts,' he said. This could be sensitivity to light or sound, stomach upset, changes in mood, neck aches, and cravings for sweet and salty food. While it might work for some people, Dr Robbins says there are healthier ways to ease the symptoms of a migraine than a McDonald's meal. 'We know migraine is associated with worse cardiovascular health,' Robbins says. 'And, obviously, having a fatty meal and a big caffeinated soda is not really good for you in general.' He continued: 'If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that's great for them. But if they're using it often, that's not good for you either.' Dr Ellison said migraines are complex, personal and frustratingly unpredictable. 'But knowledge is power. And while no single solution works for everyone, recognising the prodrome phase and supporting your nervous system before pain sets in may be your best shot at heading off an attack,' she wrote. 'Whether it's recognising the craving for chocolate as a biological warning sign, sipping iced water, getting a hug, or yes – even reaching for a Coke and fries – these small interventions have roots in brain science. 'They reflect our body's efforts to protect itself. Developing your personal treatments based on how your brain responds can help you stay one step ahead of the pain.'
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Macca's order going viral for ‘curing' migraines
If you've ever been unfortunate enough to suffer a migraine, you know you'd be prepared to do just about anything to shake it off. According to a viral hack doing the rounds on TikTok, that could be as simple as ordering McDonald's. While not normally associated with promoting health, people are swearing by one particular order at the fast food giant, saying it 'cured' them of throbbing head pain. And there may be some science to back up the claim. Matthew Robbins, a neurologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, says it is not total nonsense, there are reasons it could work for some people — but it was not a cure-all. The so-called 'migraine meal' is a large Coke and a large order of fries. And no, Hungry Jack's or KFC won't do, according to those promoting the hack. Some vary the meal slightly, claiming a cheeseburger or milkshake also has the power to heal a migraine. Dr Robbins told Today he'd heard of the McDonald's hack and many others, including one in which people say their go-to is a warm can of full strength Coke. He warned there was never a 'one size-fits-all approach' to migraine and in fact some people might find the meal triggers an attack. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. For those who find it works, Amanda Ellison, a neuroscience professor at Durham University, said the caffeine in the Coke acted as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing blood vessels. 'This helps counteract the dilation of blood vessels that occurs during a migraine – a key trigger for pain,' she wrote for The Conversation. 'Meanwhile, the sugar and salt in Coke and fries may help restore balance to blood sugar and electrolytes, both of which can be disrupted during a migraine attack.' Dr Robbins said a non-headache symptom usually happens just before a migraine. 'Most people with migraine experience what we call a prodrome, where there's some non-headache symptom that happens before the headache starts,' he said. This could be sensitivity to light or sound, stomach upset, changes in mood, neck aches, and cravings for sweet and salty food. While it might work for some people, Dr Robbins says there are healthier ways to ease the symptoms of a migraine than a McDonald's meal. 'We know migraine is associated with worse cardiovascular health,' Robbins says. 'And, obviously, having a fatty meal and a big caffeinated soda is not really good for you in general.' He continued: 'If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that's great for them. But if they're using it often, that's not good for you either.' If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Dr Ellison said migraines are complex, personal and frustratingly unpredictable. 'But knowledge is power. And while no single solution works for everyone, recognising the prodrome phase and supporting your nervous system before pain sets in may be your best shot at heading off an attack,' she wrote. 'Whether it's recognising the craving for chocolate as a biological warning sign, sipping iced water, getting a hug, or yes – even reaching for a Coke and fries – these small interventions have roots in brain science. 'They reflect our body's efforts to protect itself. Developing your personal treatments based on how your brain responds can help you stay one step ahead of the pain.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
People swear by this McDonald's ‘migraine hack' order to relieve their pain: ‘It's immediately cured'
They're lovin' it. People on TikTok are claiming that a specific McDonald's order is helping cure their migraines. The 'migraine meal' is a large Coca-Cola and an order of large fries — and many sufferers online can't get enough of this combo. One viral video — with more than 3.8 million views — shows a girl at the fast-food chain's drive-thru with overlay text reading, 'Trying McDonald's chips [fries] and a Diet Coke because I've had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.' Many of the comments on the video chimed in praising this cure. '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 a fry and it's immediately cured,' one person wrote. 'It's my go to!! I take my migraine meds, sip a Diet Coke, and as my pain goes away, I crave salt …' a comment read. 'Not Diet Coke!!! Full sugar Coke + ibuprofen + something salty,' another person advised. 'Diet Coke works on headaches, I don't understand it, considering a coffee makes it worse,' a confused commenter chimed in. Any sort of 'hack' — especially a health one — seen online always has to be taken with a grain of salt. However, this one in particular might be worth listening to. The caffeine in the Coke has pain relief properties, especially when used simultaneously with other pain relievers like ibuprofen. 'We know the caffeine can help migraines in the short-term therapy of them. So it isn't too surprising that the caffeine in Coca-Cola itself is helpful,' Dr. David Walker told Verywell Health. Rarely are people told that salty foods can actually do the body some good, but, in this case, it's salty fries for the win. Since migraines are often caused by 'a deficiency of minerals such as sodium,' according to Yahoo! Life, the salt on the fries can supposedly act as a source of electrolytes. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's body is different and migraines vary from person to person, so this hack night not be the cure-all for everyone. This treat meal is not the worst idea from time to time, if it can help relieve a headache or migraine — just don't make your McDonald's run a habit. 'If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that's great for them,' Dr. Matthew Robbins told 'But if they're using it often, that's not good for you either.'
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
McDonald's Migraine hack? TikTok users in US claim fries and coke cure headaches
In the age of TikTok, where teenagers are doctors and fast food is medicine, a new 'miracle cure' has emerged: a large Coke and fries from McDonald's. Yes, forget years of research, prescriptions, and specialist appointments—apparently, what you really needed all along was a salty carb bomb and fizzy sugar syrup. Migraine sufferers are flocking to the Golden Arches like it's a temple of healing, claiming their 48-hour headaches vanish faster than a McFlurry machine breaks. Is it science? Is it placebo? Or is it just desperation disguised as a delicious excuse for fast food? Let's investigate. Can McDonald's coke and fries really cure a migraine According to internet wisdom (which is never wrong), the magic lies in the combination of caffeine from the Coke and sodium from the fries. Apparently, that's all it takes to reboot your brain and erase the pounding pain behind your eyes. Medical experts have cautiously admitted that caffeine can sometimes help with migraines, usually when taken with an actual painkiller and not served in a cup with a plastic lid and a straw. TikTok: Now officially a medical journal by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [부산 한정] 빠진 치아 1개도 10개도 33만원에 임플란트 해드려요 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo One TikToker declared, 'Had a headache for 48 hours. Saw this hack. Boom. Gone.' That's it. That's the clinical trial. Millions of views later, and McDonald's has unwittingly become the hottest new pharmacy chain. No copay required, just $5 and a lack of self-control. Others chimed in with similar glowing reviews, prompting experts to remind the public that TikTok is not a doctor, even if it wears scrubs in a skit. Doctors weigh in, try not to roll eyes Dr. David Walker, an actual MD and not a guy with a ring light and a ring of fries, explained that caffeine can help relieve migraines… in moderation. Meanwhile, Dr. Matthew Robbins gently warned that using this fast-food fix too often might backfire. In other words, just because Coke and fries work in a pinch doesn't mean you should toss your meds and start worshipping the clown. Golden Arches: The new wellness retreat Thanks to this trend, McDonald's might now add 'migraine relief' to its list of unintended side effects, right under 'suspiciously addictive fries' and 'instant regret at 2 a.m.' While not officially recommended by health authorities (or anyone with a license), this drive-thru remedy seems to be helping some. Whether it's the caffeine, the salt, or the placebo effect wrapped in greaseproof paper, we may never know. Final thoughts: Cure or convenient excuse So, does McDonald's really cure migraines? Well, if you believe that, we've got a McRib to sell you. Still, if slurping down a soda and shoveling in some fries brings even a little relief, who are we to judge? Just remember: TikTok trends come and go, but headaches and cholesterol have a funny way of sticking around. Choose your cures wisely. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
New York Post
18-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
People swear by this McDonald's ‘migraine hack' order to relieve their pain: ‘It's immediately cured'
They're lovin' it. People on TikTok are claiming that a specific McDonald's order is helping cure their migraines. The 'migraine meal' is a large Coca-Cola drink and an order of large fries — and many sufferers online can't get enough of this combo. Advertisement One viral video — with over 3 million views — shows a girl at the fast food chain's drive-thru with overlay text reading, 'Trying McDonald's chips [fries] and a Diet Coke because I've had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.' Many of the comments on the video chimed in praising this cure. Advertisement '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 a fry and it's immediately cured,' one person wrote. 'It's my go to!! I take my migraine meds, sip a Diet Coke, and as my pain goes away, I crave salt…' a comment read. 'Not Diet Coke!!! Full sugar Coke + ibuprofen + something salty,' another person advised. '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 a fry and it's immediately cured,' one person wrote in the comment section of a viral TikTok video. Getty Images Advertisement 'Diet Coke works on headaches, I don't understand it , considering a coffee makes it worse,' a confused commenter chimed in, writing. Any sort of 'hack' — especially a health one — seen online always has to be taken with a grain of salt. However, this one in particular might be worth listening to. The caffeine in the Coke has pain relief properties, especially when used simultaneously with other pain relievers like ibuprofen. Advertisement 'We know the caffeine can help migraines in the short-term therapy of them. So it isn't too surprising that the caffeine in Coca-Cola itself is helpful,' Dr. David Walker, MD, told Very Well Health. Rarely are people told that salty foods can actually do the body some good — but in this case, salty fries for the win. Since migraines are often caused by 'a deficiency of minerals such as sodium,' according to Yahoo! Life the salt on the fries can supposedly act as a source of electrolytes. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's body is different and migraines vary from person to person, so this hack night not be the cure-all for everyone. This treat meal is not the worst idea from time to time, if it can help relieve a headache or migraine — just don't make your McDonald's run a habit. 'If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that's great for them,' Dr. Matthew Robbins told 'But if they're using it often, that's not good for you either.'
