Disclosed are methods and compositions for the treatment of a variety of disorders in subjects by affecting the glycocalyx of a subject in need of such treatment. The methods comprise administering to a subject an effective amount of a sulfated polysaccharide (SP) or analogue thereof, the SP being a non-animal based (e.g., plant, or bacteria derived) sulfated polysaccharide. The SPs can be administered as single agents, or in combination with one another, or with other medications to promote efficacy. Pharmaceutical compositions and comestibles including such SPs are also described.
