A doctor shared the simple trick that “miraculously” stops migraines – and why it works
Migraine sufferers usually try everything to prevent headaches from coming on, whether it’s prescription medications or old wives’ tales. Many will have found a go-to method that works for them but now, a neurologist has taken to TikTok with a solution that “miraculously” stops migraines.
Dr Jessica Lowe, MD, often shares videos about symptoms or advice on TikTok as @doctorbrainbarbie. In a recent clip, she discussed a well-known hack that beats headaches – and broke down why it works.
According to the neurologist, who said she suffers from migraines herself, the cure to a migraine is quite simple: a large Coke and a large fries from McDonald’s. The doctor claims the trick “somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away.”
Introducing the video, she said: “McDonald’s migraine hack explained by a neurologist. I’m Doctor Jessica Lowe, I’m a double-boarded neurologist and epileptologist. I also am a chronic migraine sufferer.
“I’m a neurologist with migraines. Ain’t that ironic? People reached out asking me to explain the McDonald’s migraine hack. This is a hack that’s relatively well known in the migraine community.
“The order is a large Coke and a large order of fries. And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away. This can be easily explained.”
Next, Dr Lowe broke down the McDonald’s order and why it really works on migraines. She added: “So first of all, a large Coke from McDonald’s has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it. Right there is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks.
“Also, McDonald’s is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around. Salts, electrolytes. Easy.
“And then of course, fries or carbs. A lot of people have migraines that are provoked by hunger or just their glucose starting to drop, so those carbs are certainly gonna help out in that department.”
However, the doctor did point out that the ‘hack’ may not be the healthiest solution to use. She added: “Are there healthier ways to accomplish this? Yes. Fun fact one tablet of Excedrin [an over-the-counter headache pain reliever] has I think 60 to 65 milligrams of caffeine in it.
“The dose is typically two. So that’ll put you between 120 and 130 milligrams of caffeine. That’s an easy way to get the caffeine components of this cocktail.
“Electrolytes – chug a Gatorade. This will likely also help with hydration in addition to the electrolytes. So two birds, one stone.
“Then, carbohydrates. It’s probably not difficult to find a carbohydrate that is healthier than deep fried potatoes, so go for gold.”
Finishing off, the doctor added: “But with that being said, you know, we are all human, and when you are feeling unwell, sometimes you just want some comfort food. I get it. Not knocking the hack, just don’t make a habit of it.”
