McDonald’s Migraine Hack (Coke + Fries)

Description:
This popular folk remedy involves ordering a McDonald’s Coke and fries at the onset of a migraine. It’s thought to help through rapid delivery of sugar, sodium, caffeine, and hydration.

🧠 Biological Plausibility: Good

There are plausible mechanisms: caffeine can enhance vasoconstriction and analgesic absorption; sodium and fluid may counteract early-stage dehydration or hyponatremia; sugar may boost energy availability. However, these effects are non-specific and not unique to McDonald’s.

🔬 Evidence: Anecdotal (widespread)

No clinical studies have evaluated this combination. Anecdotal reports are widespread online. The hack likely mimics some principles used in conventional acute migraine management (hydration, caffeine, salt, glucose), but in a less controlled form.

🎯 Effect Size: Unknown

Unknown. Any benefit is likely short-term and due to symptomatic relief from one or more of the included components. Effects vary widely between individuals.

⚠️ Risk: Variable

Low for occasional use. Risks in the short term include escalation of migraine symptoms if timed wrong. Usage increases the risk of subsequent migraines due to its negative effects on mitochondrial function (ROS generation, metabolic inflexibility, inflammation).

💰 Cost $

📊 Score: 0.5

  • Benefit: 1
  • Burden: 2
  • Ratio: 0.5

🔍 Clinical Takeaways

  • Possible benefit if used early for mild attack that has been precipitated by dehydration, dilutional hyponatremia, or glycemic instability due to mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • May considerably worsen the intensity and duration of a migraine in some, or if taken outside of the critical window.
  • Unlikely to be effective for more severe or advanced-stage migraines.
  • Only to be used sparingly in a pinch, in the appropriate context, with knowledge that it perpetuates mitochondrial dysfunction and enhances future vulnerability. “Hunger headaches” are indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction / inability to readily metabolize stored fat.

📚 Key References

  • No clinical trials available; mechanism based on general understanding of migraine physiology and its connection to caffeine, sodium, and glucose.
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