Introduction to the Migraine Meal Hack
A particular fast food order — often called the "McDonald’s migraine meal" online — might hold the sweet, salty power to stop a migraine in its tracks. And there might even be some science behind its magic, neurologists tell TODAY.com, but that doesn’t mean it should be your go-to migraine hack.
It’s not the first time Dr. Matthew Robbins has come across this particular migraine cure, he tells TODAY.com. "Certainly I’ve heard of this and many other hacks," says Robbins, a neurologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. Interestingly, he’s encountered some patients who specifically crave a warm can of Coke when they have a migraine attack, he says.
Understanding Migraine Hacks
But, he cautions, there are so many migraine hacks out there because "it’s never just a one-size-fits-all approach." And, while there are some real reasons why the migraine meal works for some people, Robbins says, just as many people may find the hack triggers a migraine attack. Or, if their migraine symptoms include nausea, they might find the idea of eating these foods simply "disgusting," he adds.
What is the "Migraine Meal"?
As passed down through the migraine community, multiple Reddit threads and now TikTok videos, the migraine meal consists of just two important elements: a large Coke and a large order of fries. Although there are variations, as some people prefer to have a cheeseburger or a milkshake, for instance. And, as the lore goes, the items should specifically be from McDonald’s.
Does the Migraine Meal Hack Actually Work?
The hack "obviously struck a chord with some people," Robbins says, and there are some reasons why it might work. First, there’s the caffeine in the soda. Caffeine has analgesic, or pain relief, properties and "makes other analgesics more potent," Robbins explains. One of the ingredients in the common migraine medication Excedrin is caffeine for exactly that reason. It helps your body absorb the other ingredients in the drug (such as aspirin and acetaminophen) more quickly and improves their potency, Robbins says.
The Science Behind the Migraine Meal
When it comes to the salty fries, they may be helping to balance out electrolytes, neurologist Dr. Jessica Lowe explained in a video on Instagram that now has more than 136,000 likes. "…Fries are carbs," Lowe continues in the video. Some people find their migraine attacks are triggered by hunger or a drop in blood sugar, she says. "So those carbs are certainly going to help out in that department." There’s also the craving component to this delicious, sugary, salty meal, which can actually be caused by the migraine, Robbins says.
Before You Try to Treat Your Migraine Attacks with Fast Food
Keep in mind that even though this hack might work for some people, it won’t work for everyone. Some people might find the idea of eating greasy food while nauseous with a migraine revolting, while others might find that extra salt, sugar and caffeine can trigger an attack. And, even if does work for you, there are healthier ways to get the same effects, the neurologists say. "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."
Building a Migraine Prevention and Treatment Strategy
So, while the hack might provide some short-term benefits, it’s not something you should rely on frequently. If you do find you need to rush to McDonald’s to grab a migraine meal often, that’s a sign you should talk to your doctor or a neurologist to build a migraine prevention and treatment strategy that’s more effective. That might include lifestyle changes to build consistent healthy habits, medication and non-medication treatment options. “If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that’s great for them,” Robbins says. “But if they’re using it often, that’s not good for you either.” Lowe echoes those sentiments: “I get it, (I’m) not knocking the hack,” she says. "Just don’t make a habit of it.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the "migraine meal" hack may work for some people due to the combination of caffeine and carbohydrates, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be suitable for everyone. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized migraine prevention and treatment plan that incorporates healthier habits and lifestyle changes.
FAQs
- Q: What is the "migraine meal"?
A: The "migraine meal" consists of a large Coke and a large order of fries from McDonald’s. - Q: Does the migraine meal hack actually work?
A: The hack may work for some people due to the caffeine and carbohydrates, but it is not a guaranteed solution and may not be suitable for everyone. - Q: Are there healthier alternatives to the migraine meal hack?
A: Yes, there are healthier ways to get the same effects, such as consuming caffeine and carbohydrates through other sources, and incorporating lifestyle changes and medication as part of a personalized migraine prevention and treatment plan. - Q: Should I rely on the migraine meal hack to treat my migraines?
A: No, it is not recommended to rely solely on the migraine meal hack to treat migraines. Instead, consult with a healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
