Doctor explains why viral McDonald's order that TikTokers claim cures headaches might actually work
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A medic has explained why the viral McDonald's order that TikTokers claim cures headaches might actually work.
According to a viral TikTok trend, the key to curing a migraine might be as simple as hitting the McDonald’s drive-thru, and getting a large Coca-Cola and a large order of fries.
The so-called “migraine meal” has taken over the social media platform, with online users claiming that the combo works wonders for persistent headaches.
One viral clip, which has amassed over 3 million views, features a woman pulling up to McDonald’s with a caption that reads: “Trying McDonald’s chips [fries] and a Diet Coke because I’ve had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.”
Many viewers chimed in with their glowing endorsements of the salty-sweet treatment.
“I've just had migraines for 48 hours honestly, killed every second, nothing working. I drove the McDonald's got large Coke and large fries, and a packet of salt added it on I swear it went half hour later gone it really works,” one user commented.
“Fr tho like this is my go-to everytime i'd get a migraine. It works!” added another, while a third agreed, joking: "This is why I always keep a Diet Coke and some fries in the nightstand."
Others advised on skipping the diet version altogether: “Not Diet Coke!!! Full sugar Coke + ibuprofen + something salty.” A second shared: "You messed up with the Diet Coke, it needs to be regular coke!!!"
Meanwhile, a few users were left baffled: "If I had a headache for 48hrs I’d probably go to the doctors rather than get fast food, but you do you."
Unlike many TikTok health “hacks”, this one may actually hold water.
Dr. David Walker, MD, explained the potential benefit to Very Well Health: “We know the caffeine can help migraines in the short-term therapy of them. So it isn’t too surprising that the caffeine in Coca-Cola itself is helpful.”
Meanwhile, Yahoo! Life reported that migraines can stem from a deficiency in minerals such as sodium, making the salty fries a surprising source of relief thanks to their electrolyte content.
Still, experts stress this should be an occasional fix, not a frequent diet strategy.
“If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that’s great for them,” Dr. Matthew Robbins told TODAY. “But if they’re using it often, that’s not good for you either.”
So while the internet’s latest headache “cure” might not be a miracle solution for everyone, it could offer quick comfort for some - no prescription required.
