McMigraine: The Viral Hack That's Giving People Hope (But Is It Too Good to Be True?)

Migraines affect over 10 million people in the UK, and can have a significant impact on daily life. While there are medical treatments available, there is no cure, and for many people, finding effective ways to manage their symptoms can be a challenge.

Recently, a viral hack has been making the rounds on social media - the McMigraine Meal, which consists of a full-fat cola and a portion of salty fries. Proponents claim that this simple combination can "cure" or at least fend off migraines, but is there any science behind it?

Meet Nick Cook, a 32-year-old from Oxfordshire who has been living with migraines for years. He carries a wallet full of medication with him at all times, and will try anything to make the pain go away. "When you live with the condition, and you're working a five-day week and you need to manage your symptoms, you'll try anything," he says.

Nick's solution involves reaching for an occasional cola and salty fries when needed, but he has also made significant lifestyle changes to manage his migraines. He wears sunglasses even on cloudy days, and will often bring snacks with him to ensure that hunger doesn't trigger a migraine.

But not everyone is convinced by the McMigraine Meal. Dr. Peter Goadsby, a neurologist at the NIHR-King's Clinical Research Facility, says that while lifestyle changes can make a big difference, new treatments are still needed. "Any new treatment is a glimmer of hope," he says.

Research is beginning to produce positive results, with studies showing that medications known as gepants could block pain receptors before a migraine attack, cutting off the pain before it starts. "Listen to your body - don't listen to TikTok," Dr. Goadsby advises. "You want to have regularity, avoid the highs and lows."

For Eloise Underwood, none of the quick fixes on social media work. The chronic migraine sufferer has been looking for a "magic cocktail" for seven years, but so far, nothing has worked.

"There are so many videos online that take advantage of the desperation we all feel," she says. "People think a migraine is just a headache - that's just one symptom of it. For me, a migraine is a whole body experience...

Migraines have completely made my life smaller."

The Science Behind the McMigraine Meal

So what exactly are the ingredients in this viral hack, and how might they affect migraines?

The fast food meal typically consists of a full-fat cola and a portion of salty fries. While these foods may not seem like an obvious choice for managing migraines, research suggests that certain ingredients can have a significant impact.

Sodium, in particular, has been shown to affect nerve activity in some people. Dr. Peter Goadsby warns that while the effects of sodium on migraines have not been fully tested, other ingredients like Tyramine, a natural compound commonly found in many foods, can actually cause severe migraines.

Additionally, caffeine, which is often present in colas, can be a trigger for some people. This means that even if the McMigraine Meal seems like a harmless combination of foods, it may not be suitable for everyone.

A Glimmer of Hope?

While the McMigraine Meal may not be a cure-all for migraines, research is beginning to produce positive results. Medications known as gepants could block pain receptors before a migraine attack, cutting off the pain before it starts.

This new treatment offers hope for those who are struggling to manage their symptoms. As Dr. Goadsby advises, "any new treatment is a glimmer of hope."