McDonald's fans on TikTok are claiming that the combination of a large Coca-Cola and large fries can instantly cure migraines.
A video shared by TikTok user @MillyHancockk that has gotten more than 3 million views shows a woman appearing to suffer from a migraine while waiting in the drive-thru lane before consuming the meal with the overly text stating, “Trying McDonald’s chips [fries] and a Diet Coke because I’ve had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help" and the caption, "Can confirm it works" with a crying emoji.
Several commenters praised the combo meal hack as an instant cure.
“I know it’s just the salt and caffeine but every time I have a migraine or even one coming on I get a coke and a fry and it’s immediately cured,” one TikTok user commented.
“It’s my go to!! I take my migraine meds, sip a Diet Coke, and as my pain goes away, I crave salt…” another user wrote.
“Not Diet Coke!!! Full sugar Coke + ibuprofen + something salty,” a third user chimed in.
“Diet Coke works on headaches, I don’t understand it , considering a coffee makes it worse,” another user wrote.
The caffeine in a Coca-Cola has pain relief properties, especially when a person has mixed it with traditional pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
“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,” said Dr. David Walker, MD, via Very Well Health.
Salt is also beneficial to combatting migraines as they are commonly caused by "a deficiency of minerals such as sodium," and the salt on fries can act as a source of electrolytes, Yahoo! Life reports.
Experts do, however, warn that everyone's bodies are different and migraines can vary, so the hack may not have the same benefits for all.
“If someone finds that they improve with this hack, that’s great for them,” Dr. Matthew Robbins told TODAY.com. “But if they’re using it often, that’s not good for you either.”