Migraines can make even the simplest tasks unbearable, but some people swear by an unexpected fix: a trip to McDonald’s. On Reddit and across social media, the so-called “McMigraine” combo has gained attention as a quick relief trick.
Key Points
- Migraine affects more than one billion individuals each year worldwide, and are one of the most common neurologic disorders, especially among young adults and women.
- Some people claim that certain foods, including McDonald’s meals, can help when a migraine hits.
- Reddit users shared their own go-to “migraine meals,” ranging from fries and ramen to salt-and-vinegar chips and even pink salt crystals.
Migraines and Food
Migraines are not just severe headaches; they are a complex neurological disorder that impacts more than one billion people annually. Research highlights that the condition is particularly common among young adults and women, and its effects can be severe. Because of this, many sufferers turn to practical strategies beyond medication, including food choices, in search of relief.
How Reddit Users Reacted
When one Reddit user asked in the r/migraine thread, “What are your migraine meals other than McDonald’s?" It turned out that many people had only limited information about the topic, like the person who stated,
“Following because I have no clue about migraine meals other than a Coke.”
As always, Reddit users shared their best practices and their favorite food choices.
The Magic of Salt
“I carry salt packets with me and sometimes can stop it with those before it fully develops. I’ll hold it on my tongue and let it dissolve slowly if possible. No clue why it will sometimes work, maybe an electrolyte imbalance? I figured if McDonald’s fries with extra salt helped, maybe straight salt would too. Salt also helps my nausea, seems to settle my stomach.”
Another Recommended a Specific Type of Salt
“Try getting a jar of Himalayan pink salt crystals and carrying some of those around. The pink salt is supposed to be extra helpful for migraines; there are many beneficial minerals in it beyond sodium. Just pop a crystal or two in your mouth. I think they taste great. I have them in a grinder in my kitchen and cook with it too.”
Comfort Food Relief
Comfort foods also came up repeatedly. Users mentioned grilled cheese and French fries, while others dealing with daily migraine issues said ramen was their go-to dish because of its high sodium and carbs.
Snack options are also popular: “Salt and vinegar chips and Gatorade,” one suggested, while another specifically recommended "Cape Cod salt & vinegar kettle" chips.
What is McDonald's migraine menu?
Before you rush to your nearest drive-through and order a migraine menu, let's clarify this. There is no specific menu, such as a migraine menu, but readers agree that food from McDonald´s and probably other fast food chains is a great cure for migraines due to their high sodium and carb levels.
If you want to know what is great from McDonald's, one person wrote:
“Pretty much anything on the menu will work. Mine is a large fry, a McFlurry, and a soda.”
Another Broke Down Their Order in Detail
“I go for a McCrispy (because it reheats well), large fry, large Diet Dr Pepper or Coke, and ranch for the fries. I eat the fries, drink the Coke, and have the sandwich the next day.”
And one shared a routine that goes beyond the Golden Arches:
“Two cheeseburger meal, plain, large Coke, large fries with extra salt. If I have enough time to get home before my migraine fully sets in, I’ll also get some queso from a Mexican place to dip the fries in.”
Takeaway
As Reddit users explained, there’s no single “migraine meal,” but the relief can come in the form of various foods, such as fries, ramen, chips, or even pink salt crystals.
What the thread makes clear is that these foods offer more than comfort, and they can sometimes provide just enough relief to get through the worst of an attack.
Beyond food, another great practice, from my personal experience, is to hold your feet in hot water for a few minutes. This will expand the blood vessels in your feet and temporarily reduce the pressure in your head, easing the pain for at least a short period.
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