Latest news with #McMigraine
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
McDonald's for Migraines? What Experts Say About the Viral 'McMigraine' Cure
We asked experts to weigh points Ordering a large Coca-Cola and fries from McDonald's has become as a popular hack for stopping migraines, earning the name "McMigraine" online. Nutrition and medical experts explain that while the caffeine and electrolytes in these items may temporarily help with a migraine, using them as a long-term remedy has more serious health risks, and caution against it. Instead, experts say to source similar benefits from sports beverages that contain electrolytes or coffee and tea that contain caffeine. They also recommend speaking with your medical provider about the best solutions for there a cure for migraines that you can pick up from the fast food drive-thru instead of the pharmacy? TikTok seems to think so. The so-called McMigraine meal from McDonald's has gone viral on social media, with users sharing videos about one specific order from the fast food chain that they claim is a go-to remedy for severe headaches. Several clips of the McMigraine 'hack' have racked up millions of views, and it's clear that some content creators have inspired other viewers to test out the remedy themselves, but this tasty solution to migraines comes with important cautions from medical and nutrition experts and isn't the best long-term solution to stopping migraines. What is the McDonald's migraine hack? The McMigraine 'hack' — which is really just a specific order from McDonald's — is simple, calling for one large Coca-Cola and a large fry. Ordering and eating these two items are the only two steps you have to take in order to try the McMigraine method. Fans of the hack online share clips of the two-item order, praising it with captions like "Ok but this actually works. Shoutout [TikTok]" and "migraine girlies know." (Although it's important to note that not all viewers say this works for them, and some commenters said they've tried the hack with no success.) Experts are dubious of this supposed solution, and Amy Davis, RDN, registered dietitian and founder of Amy Davis Nutrition, notes, 'While it's become a popular hack online that many swear by anecdotally, there is no clinical research to support it as a reliable treatment for migraines.' Dr. Kunal Lal, MD, and a cardiologist at Capital Cardiac Care, is equally skeptical, saying, 'While it sounds like an easy and delicious cure, it's actually really unhealthy and not a medically backed treatment,' he says. It's worth noting that this combo is high in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat, three nutrients that most people are advised to limit. Related: Is Coffee the Next Anti-Aging Elixir? This New Research Says Yes For context, one large order of fries at McDonald's contains 777 mg of sodium and 9.5 grams of saturated fat. Pair it with a large fountain Coca-Cola, and the order also includes 100 grams of added sugar. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that generally healthy adults focus on limiting total sodium to no more than 2300 mg per day, saturated fat to 20 grams or less per day, and added sugar to no more than 50 grams per day. That means that with one McMigraine order you would be surpassing the recommended amount of sugar, consuming roughly half the amount of recommended saturated fat, and eating around one-third of the recommended amount of sodium per day. Does the McDonald's migraine hack actually work? But if nutrition and medical experts are skeptical of the McMigraine hack and concerned about its nutritional profile, why do some people find that it works for them? Davis explains that 'This order will likely cause relief from a migraine due to the caffeine, sugar, salt, and [carbohydrates] found in these foods. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can help reduce the throbbing pain of migraines by reducing blood flow to the brain.' Caffeine is a proven ingredient that can help relieve migraines and is found in many over-the-counter headache and migraine medications, adds Lal. Related: Don't Sleep on These 3 McDonald's Hacks — They're Actually Useful The carbohydrates and sugar quickly hitting your bloodstream from the fries and Coke can also drive up your blood sugar and make you feel better, especially if you skipped your last meal due to feeling lousy, according to Davis. She adds, 'Lastly, migraines can sometimes be triggered by dehydration. So getting electrolytes from this meal in the form of salt and sugar could also provide relief.' What does this mean for you? Even though this fast food order could provide some temporary relief from a painful headache, both Davis and Lal emphasize that it shouldn't be your go-to remedy for migraines. 'While the McMigraine hack may feel like an easy or comforting approach to migraines, long-term reliance on fast food can lead to inflammation and other increased health risks, causing more harm than good over time,' says Davis. 'It's important to work with a healthcare provider to identify triggers and find convenient solutions that will relieve migraine pain without making it worse over time.' Can other foods and beverages help with migraines? Non-medication remedies can look different for everyone and may depend on what triggered the migraine in the first place. For example, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, too much physical stress, or even changes in weather or environment can prompt a migraine attack, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Related: A New Study Reveals the Shocking Link Between Diet and Burnout If you're prone to these headaches, Lal suggests that you 'avoid stimulators like bright lights and auditory stimuli like loud noises, and make sure you get plenty of rest.' He also recommends having a chat with your neurologist or primary care doctor to explore individualized treatment options. Davis notes that you can 'mirror' the caffeine, sugar, salt, and carbs found in the McMigraine hack with other foods and beverages that have better nutritional profiles, like a sports drink, which provides hydration, sugar, salt, carbs, and sometimes magnesium. Finally, don't underestimate a cup of coffee or black tea as an alternative source of by Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC: Lauren is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time book author, with more than 22 years in the the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
McDonald's for Migraines? What Experts Say About the Viral 'McMigraine' Cure
We asked experts to weigh points Ordering a large Coca-Cola and fries from McDonald's has become as a popular hack for stopping migraines, earning the name "McMigraine" online. Nutrition and medical experts explain that while the caffeine and electrolytes in these items may temporarily help with a migraine, using them as a long-term remedy has more serious health risks, and caution against it. Instead, experts say to source similar benefits from sports beverages that contain electrolytes or coffee and tea that contain caffeine. They also recommend speaking with your medical provider about the best solutions for there a cure for migraines that you can pick up from the fast food drive-thru instead of the pharmacy? TikTok seems to think so. The so-called McMigraine meal from McDonald's has gone viral on social media, with users sharing videos about one specific order from the fast food chain that they claim is a go-to remedy for severe headaches. Several clips of the McMigraine 'hack' have racked up millions of views, and it's clear that some content creators have inspired other viewers to test out the remedy themselves, but this tasty solution to migraines comes with important cautions from medical and nutrition experts and isn't the best long-term solution to stopping migraines. What is the McDonald's migraine hack? The McMigraine 'hack' — which is really just a specific order from McDonald's — is simple, calling for one large Coca-Cola and a large fry. Ordering and eating these two items are the only two steps you have to take in order to try the McMigraine method. Fans of the hack online share clips of the two-item order, praising it with captions like "Ok but this actually works. Shoutout [TikTok]" and "migraine girlies know." (Although it's important to note that not all viewers say this works for them, and some commenters said they've tried the hack with no success.) Experts are dubious of this supposed solution, and Amy Davis, RDN, registered dietitian and founder of Amy Davis Nutrition, notes, 'While it's become a popular hack online that many swear by anecdotally, there is no clinical research to support it as a reliable treatment for migraines.' Dr. Kunal Lal, MD, and a cardiologist at Capital Cardiac Care, is equally skeptical, saying, 'While it sounds like an easy and delicious cure, it's actually really unhealthy and not a medically backed treatment,' he says. It's worth noting that this combo is high in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat, three nutrients that most people are advised to limit. Related: Is Coffee the Next Anti-Aging Elixir? This New Research Says Yes For context, one large order of fries at McDonald's contains 777 mg of sodium and 9.5 grams of saturated fat. Pair it with a large fountain Coca-Cola, and the order also includes 100 grams of added sugar. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that generally healthy adults focus on limiting total sodium to no more than 2300 mg per day, saturated fat to 20 grams or less per day, and added sugar to no more than 50 grams per day. That means that with one McMigraine order you would be surpassing the recommended amount of sugar, consuming roughly half the amount of recommended saturated fat, and eating around one-third of the recommended amount of sodium per day. Does the McDonald's migraine hack actually work? But if nutrition and medical experts are skeptical of the McMigraine hack and concerned about its nutritional profile, why do some people find that it works for them? Davis explains that 'This order will likely cause relief from a migraine due to the caffeine, sugar, salt, and [carbohydrates] found in these foods. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can help reduce the throbbing pain of migraines by reducing blood flow to the brain.' Caffeine is a proven ingredient that can help relieve migraines and is found in many over-the-counter headache and migraine medications, adds Lal. Related: Don't Sleep on These 3 McDonald's Hacks — They're Actually Useful The carbohydrates and sugar quickly hitting your bloodstream from the fries and Coke can also drive up your blood sugar and make you feel better, especially if you skipped your last meal due to feeling lousy, according to Davis. She adds, 'Lastly, migraines can sometimes be triggered by dehydration. So getting electrolytes from this meal in the form of salt and sugar could also provide relief.' What does this mean for you? Even though this fast food order could provide some temporary relief from a painful headache, both Davis and Lal emphasize that it shouldn't be your go-to remedy for migraines. 'While the McMigraine hack may feel like an easy or comforting approach to migraines, long-term reliance on fast food can lead to inflammation and other increased health risks, causing more harm than good over time,' says Davis. 'It's important to work with a healthcare provider to identify triggers and find convenient solutions that will relieve migraine pain without making it worse over time.' Can other foods and beverages help with migraines? Non-medication remedies can look different for everyone and may depend on what triggered the migraine in the first place. For example, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, too much physical stress, or even changes in weather or environment can prompt a migraine attack, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Related: A New Study Reveals the Shocking Link Between Diet and Burnout If you're prone to these headaches, Lal suggests that you 'avoid stimulators like bright lights and auditory stimuli like loud noises, and make sure you get plenty of rest.' He also recommends having a chat with your neurologist or primary care doctor to explore individualized treatment options. Davis notes that you can 'mirror' the caffeine, sugar, salt, and carbs found in the McMigraine hack with other foods and beverages that have better nutritional profiles, like a sports drink, which provides hydration, sugar, salt, carbs, and sometimes magnesium. Finally, don't underestimate a cup of coffee or black tea as an alternative source of by Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC: Lauren is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time book author, with more than 22 years in the the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
McDonald's for Migraines? What Experts Say About the Viral 'McMigraine' Cure
We asked experts to weigh points Ordering a large Coca-Cola and fries from McDonald's has become as a popular hack for stopping migraines, earning the name "McMigraine" online. Nutrition and medical experts explain that while the caffeine and electrolytes in these items may temporarily help with a migraine, using them as a long-term remedy has more serious health risks, and caution against it. Instead, experts say to source similar benefits from sports beverages that contain electrolytes or coffee and tea that contain caffeine. They also recommend speaking with your medical provider about the best solutions for there a cure for migraines that you can pick up from the fast food drive-thru instead of the pharmacy? TikTok seems to think so. The so-called McMigraine meal from McDonald's has gone viral on social media, with users sharing videos about one specific order from the fast food chain that they claim is a go-to remedy for severe headaches. Several clips of the McMigraine 'hack' have racked up millions of views, and it's clear that some content creators have inspired other viewers to test out the remedy themselves, but this tasty solution to migraines comes with important cautions from medical and nutrition experts and isn't the best long-term solution to stopping migraines. What is the McDonald's migraine hack? The McMigraine 'hack' — which is really just a specific order from McDonald's — is simple, calling for one large Coca-Cola and a large fry. Ordering and eating these two items are the only two steps you have to take in order to try the McMigraine method. Fans of the hack online share clips of the two-item order, praising it with captions like "Ok but this actually works. Shoutout [TikTok]" and "migraine girlies know." (Although it's important to note that not all viewers say this works for them, and some commenters said they've tried the hack with no success.) Experts are dubious of this supposed solution, and Amy Davis, RDN, registered dietitian and founder of Amy Davis Nutrition, notes, 'While it's become a popular hack online that many swear by anecdotally, there is no clinical research to support it as a reliable treatment for migraines.' Dr. Kunal Lal, MD, and a cardiologist at Capital Cardiac Care, is equally skeptical, saying, 'While it sounds like an easy and delicious cure, it's actually really unhealthy and not a medically backed treatment,' he says. It's worth noting that this combo is high in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat, three nutrients that most people are advised to limit. Related: Is Coffee the Next Anti-Aging Elixir? This New Research Says Yes For context, one large order of fries at McDonald's contains 777 mg of sodium and 9.5 grams of saturated fat. Pair it with a large fountain Coca-Cola, and the order also includes 100 grams of added sugar. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that generally healthy adults focus on limiting total sodium to no more than 2300 mg per day, saturated fat to 20 grams or less per day, and added sugar to no more than 50 grams per day. That means that with one McMigraine order you would be surpassing the recommended amount of sugar, consuming roughly half the amount of recommended saturated fat, and eating around one-third of the recommended amount of sodium per day. Does the McDonald's migraine hack actually work? But if nutrition and medical experts are skeptical of the McMigraine hack and concerned about its nutritional profile, why do some people find that it works for them? Davis explains that 'This order will likely cause relief from a migraine due to the caffeine, sugar, salt, and [carbohydrates] found in these foods. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can help reduce the throbbing pain of migraines by reducing blood flow to the brain.' Caffeine is a proven ingredient that can help relieve migraines and is found in many over-the-counter headache and migraine medications, adds Lal. Related: Don't Sleep on These 3 McDonald's Hacks — They're Actually Useful The carbohydrates and sugar quickly hitting your bloodstream from the fries and Coke can also drive up your blood sugar and make you feel better, especially if you skipped your last meal due to feeling lousy, according to Davis. She adds, 'Lastly, migraines can sometimes be triggered by dehydration. So getting electrolytes from this meal in the form of salt and sugar could also provide relief.' What does this mean for you? Even though this fast food order could provide some temporary relief from a painful headache, both Davis and Lal emphasize that it shouldn't be your go-to remedy for migraines. 'While the McMigraine hack may feel like an easy or comforting approach to migraines, long-term reliance on fast food can lead to inflammation and other increased health risks, causing more harm than good over time,' says Davis. 'It's important to work with a healthcare provider to identify triggers and find convenient solutions that will relieve migraine pain without making it worse over time.' Can other foods and beverages help with migraines? Non-medication remedies can look different for everyone and may depend on what triggered the migraine in the first place. For example, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, too much physical stress, or even changes in weather or environment can prompt a migraine attack, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Related: A New Study Reveals the Shocking Link Between Diet and Burnout If you're prone to these headaches, Lal suggests that you 'avoid stimulators like bright lights and auditory stimuli like loud noises, and make sure you get plenty of rest.' He also recommends having a chat with your neurologist or primary care doctor to explore individualized treatment options. Davis notes that you can 'mirror' the caffeine, sugar, salt, and carbs found in the McMigraine hack with other foods and beverages that have better nutritional profiles, like a sports drink, which provides hydration, sugar, salt, carbs, and sometimes magnesium. Finally, don't underestimate a cup of coffee or black tea as an alternative source of by Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC: Lauren is an award-winning registered dietitian and three-time book author, with more than 22 years in the the original article on Food & Wine Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
05-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Doctors weigh in on whether or not bubbly drinks can relieve migraines
For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales. Some claim that applying potato slices to the forehead helps kill the complex headaches, while others submerge their feet in hot water in a desperate search for relief. Another remedy? Sipping soda, particularly Coke, is said to cure migraines. But does it really work? Dr. Kay Kennis, a general practitioner in England and a trustee for the Migraine Trust, pointed out that caffeine is the main substance in sodas that may help some migraine sufferers. 'The caffeine in Coke can act as a nerve disruptor, [as] a substance that affects nerve activity,' the expert told Fox News Digital. 'For some, that disturbance works in a positive way.' Kennis added, 'There are some painkillers that people take for migraine that have caffeine – and some do respond well to that – but we don't fully know why.' Caffeine can be a trigger for migraines as well, said the doctor, who advised that too much caffeine consumption can cause 'a worse situation in the long run.' 3 People turn to the old wives' tales that soda, particularly Coke, for a migraine cure. tongpatong – 3 'The caffeine in Coke can act as a nerve disruptor, [as] a substance that affects nerve activity,' Dr. Kay Kennis, a general practitioner and a trustee for the Migraine Trust, said. 'For some, that disturbance works in a positive way.' Maria Vitkovska – Blake Livingood, a doctor of natural medicine (DC) based in North Carolina, also noted the impact of caffeine during an interview with Fox News Digital. Caffeine can impact blood flow to the brain, he said, which may provide relief. 'Caffeine can constrict blood vessels and change blood flow to the brain, which might help if your headache is related to dilation of those vessels,' he said. 3 According to Kennis, caffeine can also be a trigger for migraines, advising that too much of it can cause 'a worse situation in the long run.' – 'But the idea that soda actually cures or prevents migraines – no, it doesn't.' 'Watermelon can give you good electrolytes and improve blood flow, especially if you sprinkle a little salt on it, which also happens to taste great.' Livingood also acknowledged the viral 'McMigraine' remedy that claims sipping Coke and eating McDonald's fries is an effective solution. 'If you look at those ingredients – salt, caffeine, and sugar – they can have an impact on blood flow to the head,' he said. 'That's partly why grabbing fries with your soda sometimes seems to help. The salt in the fries, the sugar and the caffeine combined can change circulation and electrolytes.' But he said there are much healthier ways to get those benefits, ranging from fruit to nuts to organic coffee. 'Organic coffee is a better caffeine source,' Livingood recommended. 'Watermelon can give you good electrolytes and improve blood flow, especially if you sprinkle a little salt on it, which also happens to taste great.' The health expert has also seen success in using magnesium to prevent migraines. He said electrolytes and sodium are key components in prevention and recovery as well, in addition to potassium. Livingood also advised migraine sufferers to try mined salt and sea salt instead of regular table salt. 'Any form of salt can impact blood flow and electrolytes, but there are better sources,' he said. 'Sprinkling good-quality salt on watermelon or nuts or even adding a pinch to your water is a healthier way to get those minerals.' Norbert Heuser, an entrepreneur and author of the book 'Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,' also told Fox News Digital he doesn't recommend relying on sugary beverages for migraine relief. 'Migraines are complex and often tied to inflammation, dehydration, toxins like heavy metals and chemicals, or even environmental stressors such as EMF [electromagnetic radiation] from cell phones, WiFi and other sources,' the health and wellness advocate said. Heuser added, 'The high sugar content and artificial additives in sodas and energy drinks can actually make these underlying issues worse over time. It's a quick fix that ignores the root causes – and may even fuel them.'
Arabian Post
17-06-2025
- Health
- Arabian Post
Coke‑and‑Fries Combo Offers Migraine Momentary Relief
Arabian Post Staff Medical experts confirm that consuming a large Coca‑Cola with salty fries can temporarily ease migraine symptoms in some individuals, though they warn the remedy is no substitute for comprehensive treatment. At the heart of the trend—dubbed the 'McMigraine meal'—are the physiological effects of caffeine, salt, carbohydrates and sugar, which may tackle certain migraine triggers, according to neurologists and neuroscientists interviewed by reputable health outlets. Caffeine in cola induces vasoconstriction, countering the vasodilation linked to migraine pain, a mechanism also harnessed in combination OTC medications such as Excedrin. Dr Jessica Lowe stated that caffeine can interrupt migraine progression by narrowing blood vessels, while the sodium in fries helps retain fluids—a potential relief during dehydration-induced migraine phases—accompanied by a glucose boost from the fries and soda. ADVERTISEMENT Professor Amanda Ellison of Durham University explains that during the migraine prodrome—when individuals may crave sweets and salts—this combination aligns with premature biological response to prodromal imbalances of electrolytes, blood sugar, hormones and hydration levels. Dr Joy and Ludlam‑Raine, writing for Healthline, point out that carbohydrate and salt intake may correct early-stage blood sugar dips and electrolyte loss. Despite physiological plausibility, experts caution the benefits are often transient. High sugar and sodium intake may exacerbate inflammation or create spikes followed by crashes, while caffeine overuse may reduce medication responsiveness and trigger dependency. Juliette Preston of Oregon Health and Science University advises that excessive caffeine—and sodium—can worsen symptoms long-term and undermine migraine resilience. Controlled studies suggest moderate caffeine intake is generally harmless for episodic migraine sufferers, whereas consuming three or more servings heightens the risk of migraine onset the same day or the next. This caution echoes findings from BIDMC and Harvard researchers. Longitudinal cohorts commissioned by the American Migraine Foundation show acute doses are comparable with analgesics but habitual high consumption correlates with increased headache frequency. Nonetheless, a state‐of‐the‐art prospective cohort from Harvard, involving 97 adults over six weeks, found no significant link between habitual caffeine intake and migraine frequency or severity—indicating that occasional consumption may pose limited risk, though withdrawal episodes warrant caution. Meanwhile, migraine‑Canada researchers recommend total cessation in frequent sufferers—reporting a 72 per cent reduction in migraine frequency upon complete elimination, compared to 40 per cent from partial reduction. Experts agree that hydration, adequate sleep and stress control remain the cornerstone of migraine defence, with medical advice emphasising the importance of prophylactic strategies and diagnostic work‑ups rather than quick dietary fixes. Juliette Preston recommends electrolyte‑enhanced water over fast food in the throes of an attack—a more sustainable alternative. Practical guidance has emerged from clinicians interviewed: caffeine consumed in moderation—up to 200 mg daily—is likely safe, yet reliance on sodas laden with sugar and sodium may precipitate metabolic health concerns and even instigate headaches through rebound effects. Dr Shae Datta from NYU Langone underscores that while carbonation may assist nausea and caffeine may alleviate pain, diabetic individuals or those with cardiac conditions should avoid regular soda consumption. She advises that dependence on fizzy beverages or OTC meds warrants specialist migraine consultation. Clinicians further note that individuals may instinctively reach for cola and fries during the prodrome or aura stages—self‑medicating subconscious physiology. Yet, once the pain stage arrives, nausea and sensitivity often preclude food intake, rendering the remedy impractical. For those exploring home‑based migraine interventions, neurologists encourage self‑monitoring through headache diaries, and adopting evidence‑based measures such as magnesium supplementation and structured sleep schedules, alongside professional treatment when warranted.
