Among the approximately 39 million migraine sufferers in the United States, many are drawn to the “McDonald’s meal” on TikTok – eating McDonald’s fries and cola, which has been dubbed by netizens as a “hacky technique” for alleviating migraines. Migraine is a complex neurological disorder, typically accompanied by severe throbbing pain, sensitivity to sound and light, and nausea. Although there are drug treatments available, they are not suitable for everyone. When an attack occurs, some patients will try various methods, including ultra-processed foods, to relieve the pain. What is the logical basis for this trend? How do experts view its so-called “effectiveness”?
Registered dietitian Kezia Joy pointed out that it is crucial to distinguish between anecdotal experiences and clinical advice: “This method has no clinical research support and may only provide temporary comfort for certain individuals. It should not be included in the regular treatment plan.” Another registered dietitian, Nichola Ludlam-Raine, also emphasized that french fries and cola are not reliable treatment methods: “Understanding that patients desire to relieve pain, from a nutritional and clinical perspective, it is not recommended to frequently try them. From a physiological perspective, the caffeine in cola can constrict blood vessels, which may have a pain-relieving effect for some migraine patients; high-salt french fries and sugary drinks can correct mild electrolyte imbalances or hypoglycemia. If patients experience migraines due to missed meals or mild dehydration, these foods may temporarily alleviate symptoms. However, Ludlam-Raine warns that these benefits are short-term and cannot solve the underlying cause. For some patients, the combination of high salt, high sugar, and caffeine may actually worsen symptoms, especially when migraines are triggered by dietary factors or underlying diseases such as hypertension.”
Apart from possibly exacerbating migraines, long-term reliance on this method also poses risks. Joy said that the high sodium, high saturated fat, and added sugar content of fast food may trigger inflammation in the body, and over time, headaches will worsen. Ludlam-Raine added that frequent consumption of fast food may lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and intestinal health problems, which further affect the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. More importantly, this may cause patients to ignore the investigation of migraine triggers, avoid diagnosing and treating potential health problems, and instead seek sustainable scientific solutions.
Compared with “fast-acting treatments”, evidence-based intervention strategies deserve more attention. Joy suggests supplementing with magnesium (such as leafy greens and nuts), which can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks in some patients; riboflavin (vitamin B2), coenzyme Q10, and Omega-3 fatty acids (such as deep-sea fish) have also been proven to alleviate symptoms. Ludlam-Raine points out that preventing migraines also requires attention to lifestyle, such as regular diet, adequate hydration, and stress management. In clinical treatment, drug methods include triptan drugs, CGRP inhibitors, and some anti-epileptic and anti-hypertensive drugs; non-drug treatments such as biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and neuroregulation devices have also been proven effective. The triggers of migraines are highly individualized. Although the “McMigraine Meal” may be a convenient option for some people, identifying the triggers and taking scientific intervention remains a more reliable long-term solution.
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