In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, e.g., formulations or preparations, used for treating, ameliorating or preventing constipation and other disorders with related gastrointestinal symptoms. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, e.g., formulations or preparations, used for treating, ameliorating or preventing conditions which benefit from increasing or speeding bowel transit, including for example: cyclic vomiting, reflux oesophagitis, autism enteropathy, flatulence, halitosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), bloating, proctalgia fugax, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and large intestinal bacterial overgrowth (LIBO), chronic nausea, functional dyspepsia and bloating. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, e.g., formulations or preparations, used for treating, ameliorating or preventing a constipation, a functional constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-constipation, a diverticulosis-associated constipation, a pseudo obstruction, a slow-transit constipation, a stasis with overflow and/or a diabetic gastro-paresis. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceuticals and products (articles) of manufacture for delivering these compositions and formulations to an individual, e.g., a human or an animal.