A glass of cola, a bag of fries, and cold ice cream – a new trend in migraine treatment. It’s called McMigraine. For some, it sounds like a dream fast food combo, for others, like a large dose of poison, but in the case of migraines, surprisingly, it often turns out that these products bring temporary relief. 

Cola – a quick shot of caffeine and sugar

Cola contains caffeine, which acts as a natural vasoconstrictor in the brain. It is the dilation of blood vessels that is one of the factors causing migraine pain. Many migraine medications also contain caffeine because it is a stimulant that enhances the analgesic effects of ingredients such as paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid. Added to this is sugar – a quick energy boost that can relieve symptoms if the migraine was caused by a drop in glucose. As a result, you feel the pain subsiding and your head feeling lighter. Another trivial reason why cola works is simply dehydration – before you reach for a cola, it’s better to drink healthy lemonade with honey and lemon. Migraines are very often caused by dehydration.

French fries – salt and fat to the rescue

Migraines are often associated with electrolyte imbalance. The salt in French fries helps replenish sodium, which sometimes brings relief. In addition, fat slows down digestion, stabilizing blood sugar levels – and this can also reduce fluctuations that lead to pain.

Ice cream – a cold compress from the inside 

Ice cream acts a bit like an ice pack for the brain. The cold constricts blood vessels and temporarily “freezes” the pain. Some people find that just a few spoonfuls of ice cream can stop a migraine attack or reduce its intensity. Another reason may again be sugar itself – perhaps you consume so much of it that you are addicted to it, and the migraine appeared because your body needs a new dose.

Why is it a bad idea after all?

Although the fast food trio can help, it is worth remembering that this is only a temporary solution. Cola contains huge amounts of sugar, which puts strain on the pancreas and can exacerbate energy fluctuations. French fries are trans fats and a calorie bomb for the heart. Ice cream – if you buy it from the store – is full of glucose-fructose syrup and artificial additives. Regularly reaching for such products in response to a migraine only makes things worse – it increases the risk of obesity, metabolic problems, and… more headaches.

Healthy substitutes

The good news is that you can achieve a similar effect without junk food.

• Instead of cola: try high-quality coffee (but not instant!), strong green or black tea with a little honey and lemon. The caffeine will help, and the sugar will be natural and healthier.

• Instead of highly processed fries filled with flavor enhancers, bake your own sweet potatoes or potatoes in the oven with olive oil and sprinkle with Himalayan or sea salt. You still get salt and carbohydrates, but without trans fats and chemical additives.

• Instead of ice cream: reach for frozen fruit blended with natural yogurt. It’s a natural, cold dessert that will give you the effect of an “ice pack” and provide vitamins at the same time. Choose dates, xylitol, or honey as a sugar substitute.

There are several other mechanisms that make fast food able to relieve migraines, though not necessarily in a healthy way.

Fast food and the recovery crisis

If you are undergoing detoxification or conscious cleansing of the body, migraine may be a symptom of the body “releasing” toxins. When you reach for junk food, your body suddenly gets a new dose of sugar, fat, preservatives, or chemical additives. It’s as if you’ve interrupted the cleansing process and thrown some of the junk back into your body, causing the healing crisis to stop. The symptoms (including headaches) may temporarily subside because instead of continuing the cleansing process, the body is busy digesting and neutralizing the new batch of toxins. It’s a bit like pressing pause on the renewal process – you get relief, but in the long run, you’re just postponing the problem.

Psychological factors

The power of suggestion should not be underestimated. If you have heard from others that cola helps with migraines, you start to believe it yourself. And when you believe it, the placebo effect works in your favor. Placebo can actually reduce pain because the brain begins to release its own painkillers (endorphins, serotonin). Added to this is the element of comfort – fast food is often associated with something pleasant and comforting. The very act of reaching for something “forbidden” or “rewarding” can reduce stress levels, and stress is one of the main triggers of migraines.

Summary

Coke, fries, and ice cream, or similar McMigraine setup, may temporarily help with migraines, but this is only quick relief that comes at the cost of long-term health consequences. It is therefore worth reaching for healthier alternatives that will not only relieve pain but also will not worsen your everyday well-being. Take care of yourself, because your body is your temple. This is one of those fundamental elements in life that you need to look at in the long term. Migraines are a difficult topic, but don’t give up, because there are certainly many ways that can help you, both on a biological level and on a mental and energetic level. You will find many such tips in our 28-day program related to stress and anxiety. Search, try, experiment, don’t give up. Good luck!

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