Regardless of whether it is one or two coffee, so that we would leave in the morning or the chocolate bar after a stressful day, many of us self -disease when we are tired, stressed or unhappy. But when our head hurts, most of us go straight to painkillers.
Recently, however, the viral hack is making rounds: that immense Coca-Cola and French fries can stop the migraine on their tracks.
And strangely enough, this is not a total nonsense.
Caffeine In Coca-Cola acts as a narrowing of the vessels, which means it Listens to the blood vessels. This helps to counteract the expansion of blood vessels occurring during migraine – a key pain trigger.
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When the vessels dilate, they can press and activate nearby pain sensitive to pain, especially those with Tri -spanwhich transfers sensory information about touch, pain and temperature from the head and face to the brain, which leads to this known pulsating headache. That is why caffeine is often contained in non -prescription drugs.
Meanwhile, sugar and salt In coke and fries, it can aid restore blood sugar balance and electrolytes, both of which can be disturbed during a migraine attack.
But to really understand why this combination can work, we must unpack what actually happens during migraine.
Four stages of migraine
Migraines can be caused by a wide range of factors: hormonal shifts, stress, overlooked meals, some foods, and even weather changes or visual excessive stimulation. But when it starts, it takes place after specific path It differs from other types of headache.
Migraine is not an ordinary headache. It is the experience of the whole body with four separate stages-two of which occur before the pain is still hit. This means that there is a window in which you can stop the episode in his songs, and many migraines (people suffering from migraines) already yourself, doing it.
Prostrome
Prodrome is the first stage that can start hours or even days before a headache. You can feel tired, sensitive or extremely low mood. Most people who get migraines They are surprisingly bad in detecting this phase, even though this is the best time for intervention.
During prodrome, people often want certain things. Many migraines report yawning more, what helps regulate dopamineor searching for hugs and feelings that Boost Seroton. Others can drink ice water Calm their autonomous nervous system. Others can still reach for immense coke and fries.
These answers are not random. They are all unconscious attempts to restore the balance of neurological systems that go crazy during migraines. Irregular function of serotonin, dopamine and nervous system All well -known colleagues to migraine.
And this leads us to probably the final hack migraine: chocolate. When it is Sometimes blamed as a triggerChocolate is prosperous in compounds that aid enhance serotonin levels.
Because low serotonin is a known factor in the beginning of migraine, chocolate desire can be a way to correct chemical imbalance. For some people, some chocolate at an early stage can aid repel the attack.
Aura
The aura comes from the produced phase, and then some people experience visual interference, such as flashing lights or strange experiences such as high heels and needles. About 80% of people suffering from migraine Do not experience the phase of the aura, but the same wave -like changes occur in their brains.
These symptoms come from the outbreak of electrical activity in the brain, which is then suppressed Changes blood flow and causes narrowing of blood vessels. Whether a person notices these effects depends on Structure and sensitivity their cerebral cortex.
The brain is based on a stable blood supply for nutrients and oxygen – but direct contact with blood is toxic to the brain tissue. That’s why we have Blood barrier brainA filter that protects brain cells.
Read more: Headaches: Three neuronaut tips on how to get rid of them
Pain
Pain appears next. The body seriously treats vascular lesions in the brain, and headache is one of the ways in which it warns us that something can be wrong. Any disruptions of blood flow – too little or too much – is potentially dangerous. The blocked vessel can lead to ischemic stroke, and the cracked vessel causes hemorrhagic stroke.
The pain phase begins When earlier narrowing of blood vessels disappears the reflection. This sudden widening of the vessels activates pain receptors – and Voilà: a friend, pulsating migraine pain – and can be devastating.
For many people suffering from migraines, when pain hit, food is the last thing in their mind. This is why A lot is addressed to Triptan drugs Instead of swift food, which is balanced by serotonin and histamine (next blood flow regulator) after migraine.
Postdrome
Postrome begins after the worst of them headache. However, this migraine hangover is more than just worn – it is separate phase of migraine attack. Medically known as the postdrom phase, follows up to 80% of migraine attacks And it can bring symptoms strikingly similar to a time-honored hangover: nausea, fatigue, dehydration, body pain and mental fog.
For many people this maintenance phase may be equally destructive As a migraine itself, making recovery a stretched and exhausting process. Going through all four migraine phases can take days or even weeks.
Read more: Eight ways to reduce the risk of stroke – regardless of age you are
Knowledge is prevention
Despite this, prevention is better than the treatment and recognition of early signs of migraine, and then a reaction in a way that supports brain neurobiology can have a huge difference.
Migraines are sophisticated, personal and frustratingly unpredictable. But knowledge is power. And although no single solution works for everyone, recognizing the phase produced and supporting the nervous system before pain can be the best shot in the attack.
Regardless of whether he recognizes the desire for chocolate as a biological warning sign, sipping frozen water, hugs, or even – reaching for cola and fries – these little interventions have roots in brain science. They reflect our body’s efforts to protect. Developing personal treatment based on how your brain reacts, it can aid you stay a step before pain.