As-Suyuti, in “Medicine of the Prophet” [pbuh] said,
“Never toss down water with a single gulp, for a disease called al-Kabar is caused by such swallowing. Al-Bayhaqi explains that al-Kabar means ‘pain in the liver’ and ‘a single gulp’ means ‘swallowing by great gulps’.”
“Anas reports the tradition that the Prophet used to take three breaths with each drink and used to say that it thereby became more satisfying, more health-giving, and more thirst-quenching. Anas added: I also used to take three breaths in a similar manner. Muslim extracted this saying.”
“Abu Nu‘aim too reports the tradition that whenever the Prophet took a drink (Sharab), he would pause three times for breath, calling upon the name of God when he began and praising Him during the pause.”