Saccharide compositions and methods of their use to (a) treat functional bowel disorders, (b) gastroesophageal reflux disease and (c) syndromes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in man and animals. Also disclosed are saccharide compositions and methods of their use to accelerate the healing of erosions and ulcerated wounds. These same saccharide compositions allow for co-administration and unimpeded uptake of medications traditionally self-adsorbed to saccharides.