Scott F,
That is not really true. The UMass IBD-AID Diet was developed by medical professionals at UMass Medical School based on scientific research and studies, unless you choose to believe that they are engaged in "junk science", and are frauds. I choose to believe that they are professionals. Since I am a UConn grad I hate to go to bat for UMass, but in this situation I will let them and their studies speak for themselves:
http://www.umassmed.edu/nutrit...aid-diet-quick-view/
http://scdlifestyle.com/2012/0...-study-sees-success/
All of the above being said, I have studied this diet carefully, and I don't really understand it.
The Paleo Autoimmune Disease Diet is also based (in part) on much scientific research showing that the incidence of IBD is highest in countries eating tons of processed foods, and lowest in countries that don't eat any processed foods. You can ignore this research or say it's not scientific, but it doesn't mean it isn't there or that conclusions may not be made based on these studies.
Some people who follow these diets believe that IBD and other autoimmune diseases developed due to changes brought on in diet over the past 150 years with the advent of modern food processing technology. Since we don't know for sure what the incidences of IBD or autoimmune disorder were before 1850 or even 1900 for that matter, we will never be able to verify the science. The fact that you can't verify it does not mean it that it isn't a valid theory based on studies and research assessing available data.