10 million adults in the UK are affected by migraines, which appear on the list of the most painful conditions. Sufferers are always looking for the best methods to reduce their pain. However, the latest social media claim is that ordering a large Coke and large fries at McDonald’s is a miracle cure.
Dr. Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, explains the truth behind the trend and the hacks that work to help with migraines.
Dr. Parmar said, “A reason why the McDonald’s trick seems to work is that a large Coke at McDonald’s contains 53g of sugar and around 48mg of caffeine, which has long been used to lessen migraine symptoms. However, even though it can help stop the early stages of migraine pain, it may not be worth it in the long run.
“Caffeine is a bit of a paradox for migraine sufferers. It helps reduce inflammation and decreases the pressure on the brain, increases the benefits of pain relief like ibuprofen, and can provide short-term relief from migraines for people who don’t consume it regularly. But caffeine can be one of the most common headache triggers for many people, and drinking too much too regularly can lead to worse withdrawal headaches later on.
“As much as this hack may work for some people, it’s not the healthiest solution. Opting for fast food as a quick fix to solve your migraine problems is also unlikely to produce any long-lasting benefits, instead offering a short relief from symptoms.
“Alternatively, there are some things you can do to manage the likelihood of migraines. Avoid bright lights and loud noises, stick to a sleep routine and avoid distractions before bed, don’t skip meals, and always ensure you’re getting gentle exercise daily. And to ease a migraine, lie down in a dark room, use a cold compress, and take pain relief.
“It’s also a good idea to keep a migraine diary. Note what time it started, your environment, if you’d done anything specific before, the foods you’d had that day, the duration of the symptoms, and what you did to lessen them. This will help you to understand what usually triggers your headaches and the best actions to take to minimise your symptoms going forward.”
“Equally, it’s important to differentiate between migraines and a typical headache. A headache is a general term for any pain in the head; it generally comes with a dull, aching pain, and its intensity can fluctuate. Migraines, on the other hand, normally only hurt on one side, can also cause nausea and sensitivity to lights and sounds, a throbbing or pulsating pain, and are severe, often lasting from hours to days.
“Migraine symptoms can be debilitating and get in the way of day-to-day life. It’s a good idea to consult your GP if you’re experiencing symptoms you feel unable to manage.”