Does the Viral McDonald’s Migraine Hack Work?

Is there a remedy for migraines you can decide up from the quick meals drive-thru as an alternative of the pharmacy? TikTok appears to suppose so. 

The so-called McMigraine meal from McDonald’s has gone viral on social media, with customers sharing movies about one particular order from the quick meals chain that they declare is a go-to treatment for extreme complications. 

A number of clips of the McMigraine “hack” have racked up thousands and thousands of views, and it’s clear that some content material creators have impressed different viewers to check out the treatment themselves, however this tasty answer to migraines comes with essential cautions from medical and vitamin specialists and isn’t the most effective long-term answer to stopping migraines.

What’s the McDonald’s migraine hack?

The McMigraine “hack” — which is de facto only a particular order from McDonald’s — is easy, calling for one massive Coca-Cola and a big fry. Ordering and consuming these two objects are the one two steps you must take with a purpose to attempt the McMigraine technique.

Followers of the hack on-line share clips of the two-item order, praising it with captions like “Okay however this truly works. Shoutout [TikTok]” and “migraine girlies know.” (Though it is essential to notice that not all viewers say this works for them, and a few commenters stated they’ve tried the hack with no success.)

Consultants are doubtful of this supposed answer, and Amy Davis, RDN, registered dietitian and founding father of Amy Davis Vitamin, notes, “Whereas it is grow to be a preferred hack on-line that many swear by anecdotally, there is no such thing as a medical analysis to assist it as a dependable remedy for migraines.” Dr. Kunal Lal, MD, and a heart specialist at Capital Cardiac Care, is equally skeptical, saying, “Whereas it appears like a straightforward and scrumptious remedy, it is truly actually unhealthy and never a medically backed remedy,” he says.

It’s value noting that this combo is excessive in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fats, three vitamins that most individuals are suggested to restrict. 

For context, one massive order of fries at McDonald’s accommodates 777 mg of sodium and 9.5 grams of saturated fats. Pair it with a big fountain Coca-Cola, and the order additionally contains 100 grams of added sugar.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Pointers for Individuals suggest that usually wholesome adults concentrate on limiting complete sodium to not more than 2300 mg per day, saturated fats to twenty grams or much less per day, and added sugar to not more than 50 grams per day. That signifies that with one McMigraine order you’d be surpassing the beneficial quantity of sugar, consuming roughly half the quantity of beneficial saturated fats, and consuming round one-third of the beneficial quantity of sodium per day.

Does the McDonald’s migraine hack truly work?

But when vitamin and medical specialists are skeptical of the McMigraine hack and anxious about its dietary profile, why do some individuals discover that it really works for them?

Davis explains that “This order will seemingly trigger aid from a migraine because of the caffeine, sugar, salt, and [carbohydrates] present in these meals. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which may also help scale back the throbbing ache of migraines by lowering blood move to the mind.” Caffeine is a confirmed ingredient that may assist relieve migraines and is discovered in lots of over-the-counter headache and migraine drugs, provides Lal.

The carbohydrates and sugar shortly hitting your bloodstream from the fries and Coke can even drive up your blood sugar and make you’re feeling higher, particularly if you happen to skipped your final meal attributable to feeling awful, in accordance with Davis. She provides, “Lastly, migraines can typically be triggered by dehydration. So getting electrolytes from this meal within the type of salt and sugar might additionally present aid.”

What does this imply for you?

Regardless that this quick meals order might present some momentary aid from a painful headache, each Davis and Lal emphasize that it shouldn’t be your go-to treatment for migraines.

“Whereas the McMigraine hack could really feel like a straightforward or comforting method to migraines, long-term reliance on quick meals can result in irritation and different elevated well being dangers, inflicting extra hurt than good over time,” says Davis. “It is essential to work with a healthcare supplier to determine triggers and discover handy options that can relieve migraine ache with out making it worse over time.”

Can different meals and drinks assist with migraines?

Non-medication treatments can look completely different for everybody and will rely upon what triggered the migraine within the first place. For instance, lack of sleep, hormonal modifications, an excessive amount of bodily stress, and even modifications in climate or atmosphere can immediate a migraine assault, in accordance with the Nationwide Institute of Neurological Problems and Stroke.

If you happen to’re inclined to those complications, Lal suggests that you just “keep away from stimulators like shiny lights and auditory stimuli like loud noises, and be sure you get loads of relaxation.” He additionally recommends having a chat together with your neurologist or main care physician to discover individualized remedy choices. 

Davis notes you can “mirror” the caffeine, sugar, salt, and carbs discovered within the McMigraine hack with different meals and drinks which have higher dietary profiles, like a sports activities drink, which gives hydration, sugar, salt, carbs, and typically magnesium. Lastly, don’t underestimate a cup of espresso or black tea in its place supply of caffeine.