Latest news with #JessicaLowe
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Medics issue warning over 'miracle' fries-and-coke migraine cure
Claims that a fast food meal can 'miraculously' cure migraines has been dismissed as a quick fix that is unlikely to lead to long-lasting benefits. TikTokers have raved about the 'McMigraine Meal' - a large Coke and fries from burger giant McDonalds - after it went mainstream in May. U.S. neurologist Dr Jessica Lowe first described the phenomenon in a video that has since been viewed almost 10 million times. In the clip, first reported by Dr Lowe - who suffers from chronic migraines herself - told followers: 'The order is a large Coke and a large fries. 'And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away.' Coke contains caffeine - roughly 10mg per 100ml - which works by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain signals in the brain, and reducing inflammation. Fries, meanwhile, deliver filling carbohydrates, adds Dr Lowe: 'A lot of people have migraines that are provoked by hunger - those carbs are certainly gonna help out in that department.' Since then, social media has been flooded with similar posts from migraine sufferers swearing by the fast-food fix. One TikTok user wrote simply: 'It works,' after trying the combo following a 48-hour headache. But doctors have urged caution - warning the hack may offer only short-term relief and could actually trigger migraines in some people. Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, said: 'A reason why the McDonald's trick seems to work is that a large Coke at McDonald's contains... caffeine, which has long been used to lessen migraine symptoms.' She added: 'The stimulant helps to reduce inflammation, decreases the pressure on the brain, increases the benefits of pain relief like ibuprofen, and can provide a brief respite from migraines for those who don't consume it regularly.' However, she warned that, while the hack may stop the early stages of migraine pain, it may not be worth it in the long run. 'Caffeine is a very common headache trigger,' she warned, adding that those who consume large amounts regularly can suffer worse headaches. She concluded: 'Opting for fast food as a quick fix to solve your migraine problems is also unlikely to produce any long-lasting benefits.' Migraine is a complex neurological condition that causes intense, often throbbing head pain - usually on one side. Other symptoms include nausea, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances. Unlike a common headache, an attack can last for hours or even days and often leaves sufferers unable to function. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's thought to involve abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels. Triggers can include stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods, dehydration, and even weather changes. Migraines affect around 10 million people in the UK, and an estimated 39 million in the U.S. Women are up to three times more likely to suffer than men. Several chronic migraine sufferers told the BBC they had tried the cola-and-fries remedy - with mild success. Nick Cook, from Oxfordshire, said he carries 'a wallet full of drugs' and is willing to 'try anything' to manage the condition. 'When you live with the condition, and you're working a five-day week and you need to carry on, you'll give anything a go,' he told the BBC. He said Coke can occasionally help - but only if he acts fast. 'If I catch it soon enough it can sometimes work, when my vision goes fuzzy and I can feel one coming on.' He said it doesn't replace his prescription amitriptyline, but helps him 'last until the end of the day.' Kayleigh Webster, 27, who has had migraines since childhood, believes it's the salt on the fries that seems to offer the biggest benefit. 'It can help,' she told the BBC. 'But it's certainly not a cure.' The only treatment that's brought her lasting relief is medical Botox - a course of injections to her head, face and neck to block pain signals at the nerve endings. Dr Kay Kennis, a GP specializing in migraine and a trustee of The Migraine Trust, said there's some logic behind the McDonald's fix - but also warned against regular use. She said: 'There are some painkillers that people take for migraines that have caffeine - and some do respond well to that - but we don't fully know why. '[But] too much caffeine can be a trigger too - and you can end up in a worse situation in the long run.' Processed food is more concerning, she added, since it can contain tyramine - a compound known to trigger attacks. Professor Peter Goadsby, a neurologist at the NIHR-King's Clinical Research Facility, said research into new treatments like gepants - drugs which block pain receptors before a full-blown attack develops - is offering hope after years of limited innovation. Prof Goadsby warned against relying on TikTok trends: 'You want to have regularity, avoid the highs and lows. 'If you can feel the warning signs [of an attack] - yawning, sleepiness, mood change, passing more urine and even craving salt and sugar - listen to your body.' Experts agree that the timing of migraine medication is crucial - and taking it at the first sign of symptoms is far more effective than waiting for the headache to take hold. This is especially true for triptans, a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat migraine attacks. These medications work by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain signals - but only if taken early enough. Research shows that taking triptans or pain relief within the first hour of symptoms -often during the 'aura' phase or at the first twinge of head pain - can reduce both the intensity and duration of the attack, and in many cases prevent it from escalating entirely. Waiting too long can not only reduce the chances of full relief but also increase the likelihood of needing repeat doses or stronger medication later on.
Arabian Post
17-06-2025
- Health
- Arabian Post
Coke‑and‑Fries Combo Offers Migraine Momentary Relief
Arabian Post Staff Medical experts confirm that consuming a large Coca‑Cola with salty fries can temporarily ease migraine symptoms in some individuals, though they warn the remedy is no substitute for comprehensive treatment. At the heart of the trend—dubbed the 'McMigraine meal'—are the physiological effects of caffeine, salt, carbohydrates and sugar, which may tackle certain migraine triggers, according to neurologists and neuroscientists interviewed by reputable health outlets. Caffeine in cola induces vasoconstriction, countering the vasodilation linked to migraine pain, a mechanism also harnessed in combination OTC medications such as Excedrin. Dr Jessica Lowe stated that caffeine can interrupt migraine progression by narrowing blood vessels, while the sodium in fries helps retain fluids—a potential relief during dehydration-induced migraine phases—accompanied by a glucose boost from the fries and soda. ADVERTISEMENT Professor Amanda Ellison of Durham University explains that during the migraine prodrome—when individuals may crave sweets and salts—this combination aligns with premature biological response to prodromal imbalances of electrolytes, blood sugar, hormones and hydration levels. Dr Joy and Ludlam‑Raine, writing for Healthline, point out that carbohydrate and salt intake may correct early-stage blood sugar dips and electrolyte loss. Despite physiological plausibility, experts caution the benefits are often transient. High sugar and sodium intake may exacerbate inflammation or create spikes followed by crashes, while caffeine overuse may reduce medication responsiveness and trigger dependency. Juliette Preston of Oregon Health and Science University advises that excessive caffeine—and sodium—can worsen symptoms long-term and undermine migraine resilience. Controlled studies suggest moderate caffeine intake is generally harmless for episodic migraine sufferers, whereas consuming three or more servings heightens the risk of migraine onset the same day or the next. This caution echoes findings from BIDMC and Harvard researchers. Longitudinal cohorts commissioned by the American Migraine Foundation show acute doses are comparable with analgesics but habitual high consumption correlates with increased headache frequency. Nonetheless, a state‐of‐the‐art prospective cohort from Harvard, involving 97 adults over six weeks, found no significant link between habitual caffeine intake and migraine frequency or severity—indicating that occasional consumption may pose limited risk, though withdrawal episodes warrant caution. Meanwhile, migraine‑Canada researchers recommend total cessation in frequent sufferers—reporting a 72 per cent reduction in migraine frequency upon complete elimination, compared to 40 per cent from partial reduction. Experts agree that hydration, adequate sleep and stress control remain the cornerstone of migraine defence, with medical advice emphasising the importance of prophylactic strategies and diagnostic work‑ups rather than quick dietary fixes. Juliette Preston recommends electrolyte‑enhanced water over fast food in the throes of an attack—a more sustainable alternative. Practical guidance has emerged from clinicians interviewed: caffeine consumed in moderation—up to 200 mg daily—is likely safe, yet reliance on sodas laden with sugar and sodium may precipitate metabolic health concerns and even instigate headaches through rebound effects. Dr Shae Datta from NYU Langone underscores that while carbonation may assist nausea and caffeine may alleviate pain, diabetic individuals or those with cardiac conditions should avoid regular soda consumption. She advises that dependence on fizzy beverages or OTC meds warrants specialist migraine consultation. Clinicians further note that individuals may instinctively reach for cola and fries during the prodrome or aura stages—self‑medicating subconscious physiology. Yet, once the pain stage arrives, nausea and sensitivity often preclude food intake, rendering the remedy impractical. For those exploring home‑based migraine interventions, neurologists encourage self‑monitoring through headache diaries, and adopting evidence‑based measures such as magnesium supplementation and structured sleep schedules, alongside professional treatment when warranted.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Does the ‘McMigraine meal' really help with headaches? TikTok thinks so
Migraine sufferers have heard it all: ice hats, essential oils, ginger tea. The latest advice? Head to McDonald's and order a large Coca-Cola and fries, dubbed the 'McMigraine meal.' The household auto fleet is a money pit Why AI Is Making 1:1 Meetings Irrelevant Why you're catching the 'ick' so easily, according to science One viral video with 5.7 million views reads: 'Trying McDonald's chips and a Diet Coke because I've had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.' In the caption, the TikTok creator confirmed the hack worked. Another posted, 'the migraine girls get it' while pulling up to a McDonald's drive-through. A third asked, 'can someone please explain why the McMigraine always works?' While TikTok health hacks should be taken with a generous pinch of salt, this one may have some basis in science. 'This is a hack that's relatively well known in the migraine community,' neurologist and fellow migraine sufferer Jessica Lowe (@doctorbrainbarbie), explained in a TikTok video with 9.3 million views. 'A large coke from Mcdonalds has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it. That right there is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks.' Caffeine acts as a vasoconstrictor—meaning it narrows blood vessels, which helps counter the dilation that occurs during a migraine. The fries offer both electrolytes and carbohydrates. 'Mcdonalds is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around,' Lowe added. Electrolytes can ease migraine symptoms tied to dehydration or low sodium, while carbs may help if the trigger is hunger or a drop in blood sugar. Still, proceed with caution. For some people, caffeine and fast food can trigger migraines rather than relieve them. Dr. Kay Kennis, a trustee for the Migraine Trust and a GP who specializes in migraines, told the BBC that McDonald's food may also contain high levels of tyramine—a known potential trigger. If you're struggling with migraines, consult your healthcare provider to explore treatment options. But if you're craving McDonald's in the meantime, go for it—you just might get some relief. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter:
Fast Company
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Does the ‘McMigraine meal' really help with headaches? TikTok thinks so
Migraine sufferers have heard it all: ice hats, essential oils, ginger tea. The latest advice? Head to McDonald's and order a large Coca-Cola and fries, dubbed the 'McMigraine meal.' One viral video with 5.7 million views reads: 'Trying McDonald's chips and a Diet Coke because I've had a headache for 48 hours and TikTok said it would help.' In the caption, the TikTok creator confirmed the hack worked. Another posted, 'the migraine girls get it' while pulling up to a McDonald's drive-through. A third asked, 'can someone please explain why the McMigraine always works?' While TikTok health hacks should be taken with a generous pinch of salt, this one may have some basis in science. 'This is a hack that's relatively well known in the migraine community,' neurologist and fellow migraine sufferer Jessica Lowe (@doctorbrainbarbie), explained in a TikTok video with 9.3 million views. 'A large coke from Mcdonalds has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it. That right there is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks.' Caffeine acts as a vasoconstrictor —meaning it narrows blood vessels, which helps counter the dilation that occurs during a migraine. The fries offer both electrolytes and carbohydrates. 'Mcdonalds is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around,' Lowe added. Electrolytes can ease migraine symptoms tied to dehydration or low sodium, while carbs may help if the trigger is hunger or a drop in blood sugar. Still, proceed with caution. For some people, caffeine and fast food can trigger migraines rather than relieve them. Dr. Kay Kennis, a trustee for the Migraine Trust and a GP who specializes in migraines, told the BBC that McDonald's food may also contain high levels of tyramine—a known potential trigger. If you're struggling with migraines, consult your healthcare provider to explore treatment options. But if you're craving McDonald's in the meantime, go for it—you just might get some relief.
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Neurologist reveals 'miraculous' McDonalds menu item that can cure migraines
A leading health expert has shared the perfect McDonald's order for those who suffer with migraines, revealing the two menu items that can help stop intense headaches It's good news for McDonald's fans with scientists now claiming certain foods can help combat migraines and stop them in their tracks. According to Dr Jessica Lowe, there are two tasty items from the fast food chain that can help cure the dreaded headaches. While most people turn to medication to relieve the pain, the US-based specialist took to TikTok and said all you need is a McDonald's large coke and fries. Dr Lowe said she suffers with chronic migraines herself, and said this 'McDonald's migrane hack' is "well-known" to those who suffer as well. She declared: "The order is a large Coke and a large fries. And this somehow miraculously makes your migraine go away." The expert further detailed, "So first of all, a large Coke [roughly 950ml] from McDonald's has about 80 milligrams of caffeine in it. Right there is probably enough to stop your migraine in its tracks." Caffeine can help relieve severe headaches by constricting blood vessels in the brain, reducing inflammation and pressure. Caffeine can also block the action of the neurotransmitter adenosine, which increases during migraine attacks and causes pain, and Dr Lowe added: "Also, McDonald's is well known to have some of the saltiest fries around. Salts, electrolytes. Easy." It's believed that imbalances in electrolytes - which are essential minerals like sodium - can also trigger migraines, so eating more salty foods will increase your sodium intake, help alleviate migraine pain, and reduce the frequency of attacks for those who suffer badly. "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," she said. Of course, there is a downside - it's not a healthy remedy to cure a migraine, but there are other alternative ways. Dr Lowe stated that you can find between 60 to 65 mg of caffeine in over the counter migraine relief like Panmigrol. "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," she assured. The doctor also said having a sports drink such as a Powerade is another way to increase your electrolytes and will also reduce dehydration. "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," she concluded.
