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Doctor reveals why McDonald's coke and fries could 'fix' a migraine better than medication

Home> News> Health

Updated 16:38 20 Oct 2025 GMT+1Published 19:03 18 Oct 2025 GMT+1

Doctor reveals why McDonald's coke and fries could 'fix' a migraine better than medication

It's certainly a tasty form of pain relief...

Brenna Cooper

Brenna Cooper

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Ever had a searing migraine and felt like nothing could even touch the sides?

Well then, it might be worth heading to your nearest McDonald's to pick up some fries and a large fizzy drink.

No, I'm actually not joking here.

Anyone whose suffered from chronic migraines will have likely scoured the internet for DIY remedies during those times when your standard paracetamol or ibuprofen isn't helping. Well, if you're even able to look at a screen in the first place.

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Of course, the first point of call would be to chug some water and swallow the recommended amount of painkillers, but if that doesn't work, then why not try a remedy long touted by people with crushing hangovers, and head to the Golden Arches next time you feel an attack coming on?

Sometimes you just need your favourite comfort meal (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Sometimes you just need your favourite comfort meal (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Could having fries and a Coca-Cola actually 'fix' a migraine?

Although it's very unlikely to end up in medical journals anytime soon, enjoying some fries and your fizzy drink of choice may, at the very least, help you to feel better, according to medical educator Doctor Myro, who recently responded to a video from another creator asking why she feels better after having a McDonald's Coca-Cola and fries.

"Can someone please tell me the science of why a McDonald's Coke and large fries cures my migraines in a way no medication ever will?" read the question from the original creator, to which Myro replied, saying there were three reasons.

They are as follows:

Dopamine hit

The first reason is that enjoying your favourite fast food will give you a dopamine hit, which triggers the brain's reward system.

"That's going to make anyone feel better after anything," he added.

Caffeine amount

Myro then explained that the large Coke being drunk in the video would contain 85mg of caffeine, which is higher than the amount included in certain painkiller brands.

Now, this may sound too good to be true, but information shared by The Migraine Trust explains that caffeine's effect on the brain's adenosine receptors can relieve migraine symptoms.

However, it's also important to note that caffeine can trigger migraines in some people, so it's worth knowing whether or not you're one of those people.

Salt content

Last of all is the amount of salt which comes on McDonald's famous fries. "Those French fries are going to have a ton of salt on them, which is going to hydrate you just like an electrolyte tablet would," he explained.

Again, salt can also trigger migraine attacks in some people, so this isn't a free pass to chuck loads of the stuff on your dinner.

Maybe you need fries and a fizzy drink with that? (Getty Stock Images)
Maybe you need fries and a fizzy drink with that? (Getty Stock Images)

What does the NHS say about migraines?

Migraines, of course, differ from headaches as they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, throbbing pain in one side of the head, dizziness, auras and fatigue. These symptoms can also last for several days.

If you believe that you're suffering from recurrent migraine attacks, the NHS has more advice on symptoms, treatment and when to see a GP here.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: Health, YouTube, McDonalds

Brenna Cooper
Brenna Cooper

Brenna Cooper is a journalist at LADbible. She graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in History, followed by an NCTJ accredited masters in Journalism. She began her career as a freelance writer for Digital Spy, where she wrote about all things TV, film and showbiz. Her favourite topics to cover are music, travel and any bizarre pop culture.

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@_brencoco

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