by Health By Principle

Can McDonald's Fries and Coke Cure a Migraine? Here's What TikTok, Reddit, and Neurologists Say

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A TikTok video claiming that a McDonald’s meal cured someone’s migraine has exploded online, racking up millions of views. The so-called "McDonald's Migraine Meal Hack" involves salty fries and a full-sugar Coke. To our surprise, it resonates deeply with migraine sufferers. We asked ourselves, is there science to back it up, or is this just another internet myth? At Health by Principle, we’ve been talking about the connection between salt, hydration, and migraine relief for years. Here’s what you need to know.

 

What is the McDonald’s Migraine Hack?

The viral moment originated from TikTok, where users have been sharing stories of how a fast-food combo—McDonald’s fries and a Coca-Cola—helped stop their migraines. The idea is simple: the salt, caffeine, and quick hit of carbs may somehow combine to halt symptoms in their tracks. 

Media outlets like Today, The Independent, and The New York Post have all weighed in. But this isn’t the first time the fast-food fix has popped up. Reddit threads as far back as 2021 have discussed this very remedy

 

What Migraine Sufferers Say on Reddit

The Reddit community on r/migraine has long echoed this hack, well before TikTok made it mainstream:

From salt cravings to caffeine hits, many migraineurs find temporary relief in this combo, though results vary widely. 


Is There Science Behind It?  Actually, yes—at least some.

  • Sodium (salt): Helps with blood pressure regulation. Migraine sufferers, especially those who follow the Stanton Migraine Protocol developed by neuroscientist Angela Stanton, Ph.D., find relief by increasing their sodium intake. 
  • Caffeine: Found in Coke, caffeine can narrow blood vessels and provide relief during the onset of a migraine.

However, sugar is another story. While some think it might offer short-term energy, studies show that sugar can worsen migraines by causing dehydration, inflammation, and blood sugar crashes. Our blog on sugar and migraines outlines how high sugar intake may prolong migraine symptoms. 

 

What Experts Think:

Neurologists in the Today article caution against seeing this as a "cure," but acknowledge the possible benefit of fast salt and caffeine intake. Angela Stanton’s protocol has long included targeted salt and mineral balancing to stabilize migraine-prone systems, specifically through electrolytes and magnesium.

"This hack may be new to TikTok, but we’ve seen it echoed in our community for years. What it points to is how important electrolyte balance and hydration are in managing migraines." 

 

Is It Safe to Rely on McDonald’s for Migraine Relief?  

Let’s be honest: while it might bring fast relief, this isn’t a long-term solution. The high fat, processed carbs, and sugar crash could leave you feeling worse later.

 

A Healthier Alternative

If you’re seeking natural, long term relief, Health by Principle offers a migraine-specific, science-backed combo: our Magnesium  + Electrolyte Capsules. Designed to support hydration, blood pressure, and nervous system stability without sugar. 

A McDonald’s Coke and fries might help some people in a pinch—likely due to the salt and caffeine—but sugar is more likely to sabotage your long-term relief. 

 

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Feeling the migraine creep in? Try our Combo Pack with Electrolytes + Magnesium for a smarter, more sustainable way to feel better fast. 

 

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