Abstract: Over the past several decades, there have been changes in the global and Indian health and illness patterns, with a rise in the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. Alterations in the makeup of the gut microbiota can both aid in the treatment of certain conditions and play a role in their development. Given its ability to modulate the gut microbiota, the ingestion of fermented foods with probiotic qualities, like kefir, stands out in this context. Since kefir can be promoted as a natural beverage with microbes that promote health and has been growing in popularity throughout India, there is growing interest in using it commercially. Additionally, considering the financial status of this population, which emphasizes the need for illness prevention at the expense of its treatment, the use of these drinks appears to be even more pertinent in India. Kefir's potential benefits against obesity, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, immunological diseases, and neurological illnesses are covered in this narrative review. Kefir's peptides, bioactive substances and strains have the power to alter the composition of the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and low-grade inflammation, all of which may have positive health effects. As a potential preventative measure for metabolic disorders, kefir can also have an impact on the control of organism homeostasis, directly affecting the gut-brain axis. To standardize these bioactive substances and clarify the processes behind the relationship between kefir and gut microbiota modification, more research is required. However, kefir appears to be a potential strategy for managing and preventing microbiota-related disorders throughout India and the rest of the world because of its stated advantages, low cost, and ease of preparation.
