Can TikTok’s Cola and Fries Hack Really Stop Migraines?

Have you ever heard of grabbing a soda and some salty fries to make a migraine disappear?

It sounds like an unusual idea, but many people online are talking about this fast food combo as a surprising way to ease migraine pain.

Social media platforms like TikTok are buzzing with stories of people trying this trick, often called the “McMigraine meal.”

But is there any truth to it, or is it just a trendy myth? Let’s dive into what’s behind this idea and whether it might help you.

Cola and Fries for Migraine Relief?

Migraines are more than just headaches—they can cause intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Some people say that drinking cola and eating fries helps them feel better. There’s some science that might explain why.

Cola has caffeine, which can narrow blood vessels in the brain. During a migraine, blood vessels often widen, causing pain, so caffeine might counteract this.

For example, some over-the-counter migraine medicines, like Excedrin, include caffeine for this reason.

The fries, loaded with salt, could also play a role. Salt helps balance electrolytes in your body, which can get out of whack during a migraine.

Low blood sugar or dehydration can trigger migraines for some people, and the sugar in cola and carbs in fries might give a quick boost to stabilize these levels.

Plus, eating something comforting like fast food might make you feel better mentally, which can help reduce pain perception, according to some experts.

What Experts Say

While the idea of cola and fries for migraine relief is popular online, doctors are cautious.

Neurologists point out that caffeine can help some people but trigger migraines in others, especially if you drink it often and build up a tolerance.

Too much caffeine might even make things worse in the long run. Similarly, the salt in fries might help with electrolyte balance, but high-sodium foods can also be a migraine trigger for some.

Dr. Brintha Vasagar, a family physician, notes that the comfort of fast food might provide a psychological boost, making you feel better temporarily.

However, she and others warn that this isn’t a cure and shouldn’t replace proper medical treatment.

Experts like Dr. Kay Kennis from the Migraine Trust suggest listening to your body’s signals, like cravings for salt or sugar, as they might hint at what your brain needs during a migraine’s early stages.

But they stress that relying on fast food regularly isn’t healthy—it can lead to other problems like weight gain or heart issues.

Instead, they recommend trying safer options like drinking water, eating balanced meals, or taking prescribed medications early in a migraine attack.

Should You Try It?

The cola and fries hack might work for some people, especially if caught early in the migraine’s prodrome phase, when you feel tired or crave certain foods.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Migraines are highly individual—what helps one person might make another feel worse.

If you want to try it, experts suggest doing it just once or twice to see if it helps, and pairing it with other strategies like staying hydrated or resting in a dark room.

Always talk to a doctor before making it a go-to remedy, especially if you have frequent migraines. Tracking your triggers and what relieves your symptoms can help you find what works best for you.

In the end, the cola and fries combo is an interesting idea with some science to back it up, but it’s not a magic fix.

Next time a migraine hits, you might be tempted to hit the drive-thru, but don’t forget to listen to your body and consult a professional for the best care.

You might also want to read: Why You Should Stop Mixing Alcohol With Cola?