Can I make homemade pretzels successfully without lye? Is there a substitute?

This is a video link to making homemade pretzels, I've used it and they are awesome! http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2016/09/pizza-dough-pretzels-or-bavarian-bagels.html

Bridget! https://food52.com/blog/17934-to-supercharge-the-power-of-your-baking-soda-bake-it :)