People on TikTok are buzzing about a specific McDonald’s order that they claim may help alleviate migraines. Dubbed the “migraine meal,” this combo consists of a large Coca-Cola and a side of large fries. Many individuals suffering from migraines have taken to social media to share their experiences, expressing how this seemingly simple meal has provided them with relief from their pain.
One viral TikTok video, which has garnered over 3 million views, features a girl at a McDonald’s drive-thru. The overlay text in the video reads, “Trying McDonald’s chips fries and a Diet Coke because I’ve had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.” The comments section of the video is filled with users praising this unconventional remedy.
“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 user commented enthusiastically. Another shared, “It’s my go-to!! I take my migraine meds, sip a Diet Coke, and as my pain goes away, I crave salt…” A different commenter advised, “Not Diet Coke!!! Full sugar Coke + ibuprofen + something salty.” However, some users were left puzzled, with one stating, “Diet Coke works on headaches, I don’t understand it, considering a coffee makes it worse.”
While it’s essential to approach any online “hack” with caution, this particular combination may have some grounding in science. The caffeine found in Coca-Cola possesses pain-relieving properties, especially when combined with other pain relievers like ibuprofen. Dr. David Walker, MD, explained to Very Well Health, “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.”
Interestingly, many people are often unaware that salty foods can occasionally benefit the body. In the case of migraines, the salt present in fries can serve as a source of electrolytes. According to Yahoo! Life, migraines are frequently linked to “a deficiency of minerals such as sodium,” making those salty fries potentially effective.
It’s important to remember that each person’s body responds differently to various treatments, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Therefore, while this McDonald’s migraine meal might be a fun and tasty way to find relief for some, it may not serve as a universal remedy. Enjoying this meal occasionally is not the worst idea if it helps alleviate headaches or migraines, but moderation is key—don’t make your McDonald’s run a daily habit.
